Essential Fatty Acid Deficiency, a New Model for Basis Research in Thrombogenesis

Platelet membranes are of primary importance in platelet thrombotic phenomena, whereas in the regulation of platelet function prostaglandins are thought to play a major role. Since esential fatty acids (EFA’s) are of great physiological importance, both as membrane components and as precursors of prostaglandins, EFA-deficiency may present an interesting model for basic research into thrombotic mechanisms.

In rats EFA-deficiency caused impaired formation of arterial thrombi but aggregation of blood platelets in response to ADP, both in vivo and in vitro is normal. In contrast, platelet aggregation induced by collagen and Thrombofax® is definitely depressed, as is the release of newly absorbed 5-HT. Thrombin-induced release is enhanced. Platelet factor 3 content and -availability is significantly reduced. Platelet morphology, platelet count and recalcification plasma clotting times are normal.

It is concluded that decreased arterial thrombosis tendency in EFA-deficiency is caused by decreased thrombotic properties of the blood platelets. Disturbed platelet membrane integrity and — prostaglandin production will be discussed as possible mechanisms of action.

 

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