Alteration of the Response of Platelets to Surface Stimuli by Pyrazole Compounds

Sulfinpyrazone and phenylbutazone block the aggregating action of collagen, antigen-antibody complexes, and gamma globulin-coated surfaces on blood platelets. These drugs do not block the action of ADP or thrombin. Inhibition of surface-induced aggregation appears to be the result of a decreased response of the platelets to surface stimuli, giving rise to diminished release of platelet constituents, such as ADP and serotonin. The intravenous infusion of these drugs produced results similar to those found in the in vitro experiments. Administration of phenylbutazone in doses sufficient to produce marked suppression of the platelet-collagen reaction impaired hemostatic plug formation at the ends of transected mesenteric vessels in rabbits. Since platelet function is considered a factor influencing platelet survival, the effect of phenylbutazone on platelet survival was examined. It was found that phenylbutazone prolonged platelet survival to more than twice the normal time and reduced platelet turnover by nearly 50%. These studies show that drugs which suppress platelet response to surface stimuli alter platelet function in vivo.