Summary
In 120 healthy humans (58 males and 62 females) possible differences in platelet aggregability
were investigated with respect to age and sex. By using a narrow range of final ADP
concentrations (0.2-1.0 μM) primary and secondary aggregation were evaluated. The
rate of primary aggregation was shown to be significantly related to increasing age
and this was true for both sexes.
As regards secondary aggregation the same pattern was seen in the group of male subjects.
Thus, among the youngest (<34 years) the frequency of secondary waves was only one
third of that encountered among the oldest (>50 years). No similar association was
detectable among the female subjects.
The present study calls attention to some important issues which should be considered
in platelet aggregation studies; the interpretation of data obtained from such studies
invariably requires a careful selection of appropriate age- as well as sex-matched
control groups.
Keywords
Platelet aggregation - Age - Sex
