Studies on the biological effects of ozone: 9. Effects of ozone on human platelets

During the course of ozonated autohaemotherapy (O-3-AHT) using heparin as a n anticoagulant, it was occasionally observed that a few clots were retaine d in the filter during blood reinfusion, This observation prompted an inves tigation on the effect of ozone (O-3) on human platelets. We have now shown , both by biochemical and morphological criteria, that heparin in the prese nce of O-3 can promote platelet aggregation. In contrast, after Ca2+ chelat ion with citrate, platelet aggregation is much reduced, The potential role of the transient formation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the presence of C a2+ with the possible expression of adhesion molecules is briefly discussed .