In vivo antiplatelet effect of intravenous alum in rabbits

Traditionally known as a haemostatic agent, alum shows a paradoxical effect of increased prothrombin and partial thromboplastin times.This study investigated the in vivo effect of alum on platelet aggregation and bleeding time in rabbits.The collagen-induced platelet aggregation of platelet-rich plasma samples from 14 healthy rabbits was measured turbidometrically using a platelet aggregometer, before and 1 hour after intravenous injection of alum. Collagen-induced platelet aggregation was significantly reduced after alum injection. Bleeding time from an ear puncture in 8 rabbits was also significantly prolonged after intravenous alum injection.These results suggest that the use of alum as an oral antiplatelet drug could be explored further, taking into account possible side-effects especially in renal compromised patients.