Platelet secretory products have a damaging effect on neurons

Abstract

We studied the direct effect of platelet secretory products on rat spinal cord explants. Morphological changes in the ventral horn neurons were assessed after staining for acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Compared to control, exposure to platelet secretory products was associated with a significant decrease in the number of AChE-positive neurons per ventral horn. Aspirin appeared to partially prevent this neurotoxicity. These results suggest that platelet secretory products may contribute to neuronal injury. © 1992.