Summary
The effects of bupranolol, a new β-blocker, on platelet functions were investigated
in vitro in rabbits and humans as compared with propranolol, a well-known β-blocker. At first,
the effect of adrenaline on ADP-induced rabbit platelet aggregation was studied because
adrenaline alone induces little or no aggregation of rabbit platelets. Enhancement
of ADP-induced rabbit platelet aggregation by adrenaline was confirmed, as previously
reported by Sinakos and Caen (1967). In addition the degree of the enhancement was
proved to be markedly affected by the concentration of ADP and to increase with decreasing
concentration of ADP, although the maximum aggregation (percent) was decreased.
Bupranolol and propranolol inhibited the (adrenaline-ADP-)induced aggregation of rabbit
platelets, bupranolol being approximately 2.4–3.2 times as effective as propranolol.
Bupranolol stimulated the disaggregation of platelet aggregates induced by a combination
of adrenaline and ADP, but propranolol did not. Platelet adhesion in rabbit was also
inhibited by the β-blockers and bupranolol was more active than propranolol. With
human platelets, aggregation induced by adrenaline was inhibited by bupranolol about
2.8–3.3 times as effectively as propranolol.
From these findings. We would suggest that bupranolol might be useful for prevention
or treatment of thrombosis.