Effect of desmopressin on plasma factor VIII and von Willebrand factor concentrations in Greyhounds.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of 1-Deamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin on plasma concentrations of von Willebrand factor and factor VIII in Greyhound blood donors, and to compare the response of 1-Deamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin injection on plasma concentrations of von Willebrand factor between groups with different resting plasma concentrations of von Willebrand factor. ANIMALS: Fifteen Greyhound blood donors were used. Dogs were grouped into three categories depending on their von Willebrand factor concentrations. PROCEDURE: Desmopressin was administered subcutaneously at 1 microgram/kg [corrected] to all dogs. Plasma von Willebrand factor and factor VIII concentrations were measured before and 10, 20, 30, 45, 60, 90 and 120 min after desmopressin injection. RESULTS: The von Willebrand factor and factor VIII concentrations in all dogs increased significantly and remained higher than base-line throughout the 2 h period. CONCLUSION: Desmopressin is useful in increasing von Willebrand factor concentrations in Greyhound blood donors, including those with low resting concentrations.