Leucocytes and Thrombosis

Summary

Normal white cell adhesiveness was found in a group of patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenia in whom the mean platelet count was 34,000 per cu. mm.

Marked elevation of white cell adhesiveness was observed after splenectomy. This did not correlate with changes in the white cell count but did parallel the increase in platelet count and adhesiveness.

White cell adhesiveness was increased in patients with a recent myocardial infarction. As it was also increased in patients with other acute illnesses and was normal in patients with old myocardial infarcts, the test is not of diagnostic value in thrombotic disease.

• References

• 1 Banks D. C, and Mitchell J. R. A. 1973; a Leucocytes and Thrombosis. I. A simple test of leucocyte behaviour. Thrombosis et Diathesis Haemorrhagica 30: 36.
• 2 Banks D. C, and Mitchell J. R. A. 1973; b Leucocytes and Thrombosis. II. Relationship between leucocyte behaviour and divalent cations, suphydryl groups, red cells and adenosine diphosphate. Thrombosis et Diathesis Haemorrhagica 30: 47.
• 3 Banks Mitchell, Banks D. C, and Mitchell J. R. A. 1973; c Leucocytes and Thrombosis. III. Effect on white cell behaviour of substances which induce or inhibit platelet aggregation. Thrombosis et Diathesis Haemorrhagica 30: 62.
• 4 Hampton J. R, and Mitchell J. R. A. 1972. Thrombosis. In: Biggs R. (ed.) Human Blood Coagulation, Haemostasis and Thrombosis. Blackwell Scientific Publications; Oxford:
• 5 McDonald L, and Edgill M. 1957; Coagulability of the blood in ischaemic heart disease. Lancet II: 457.