Platelet aggregation and adenosine triphosphate secretion in dogs with untreated multicentric lymphoma

Whole-blood platelet aggregation and adenosine triphosphate secretion were measured in 15 dogs with untreated multicentric lymphoma and 10 normal cont rol dogs to determine if dogs with lymphoma have altered platelet function. Dogs with quantitative platelet disorders (ie, thrombocytopenia or thrombo cytosis) or with clinical evidence of a bleeding disorder were excluded fro m the study. Platelets from affected dogs had significantly greater maximum aggregation than those from control dogs, suggesting that platelets from d ogs with lymphoma are hyperactive. Platelet hyperactivity may play a role i n the development of hemostatic disorders (eg, disseminated intravascular c oagulation) or in tumor metastasis. Further investigation is needed to dete rmine if modification of platelet function in patients with lymphoma affect s disease progression or outcome.