Summary
Human platelets in platelet rich plasma (PRP) incubated at 37° C with 0.3–2% halothane
for 5–10 min lost the ability to aggregate with ADP, epinephrine and collagen.
At the same time uptake and release of 14C-serotonin was inhibited. When halothane supply was removed, platelet functions rapidly
returned to normal. However, after high concentrations of halothane, the inhibition
of platelet aggregation was irreversible or only partially reversible.
The results suggest that halothane anaesthesia produces a transient impairment of
platelet function.
Key words
Halothane - (Inhibition of) Platelet aggregation - Serotonin uptake - Serotonin release
