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Thromb Haemost 1971; 26(02): 362-369
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1653684
Originalarbeiten – Original Articles – Travaux Originaux
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Ristocetin - A New Tool in the Investigation of Platelet Aggregation

Margaret A. Howard *
1   Monash University, Dept. of Medicine, Prahran, Victorior 3181, Australia
,
B. G Firkin
1   Monash University, Dept. of Medicine, Prahran, Victorior 3181, Australia
› Author AffiliationsSupported by the Life Insurance Medical Research Fund of Australia and New Zealand.
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Publication Date:
24 July 2018 (online)

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Summary

1. The antibotic, Ristocetin, causes precipitation of fibrinogen from platelet poor plasma, as well as platelet aggregation.

2. The precise mechanism of Ristocetin’s effect on platelets has not been elucidated, but it has been shown to initiate ADP release, which may contribute in part to its aggregating ability.

3. Ristocetin has been shown to produce aggregation in platelet rich plasma from thrombasthenic patients.

4. Three patients with Von Willebrand’s disease were examined. In 2, Ristocetin caused no platelet aggregation whatsoever, whilst the third aggregated normally. It is suggested, on this basis, that Von Willebrand’s disease may be subdivided into two types and that Ristocetin could prove to be a valuable technique for further study of this group of disorders.