EFFECT OF LIPOSOMES ON PLATELET-FUNCTION

The effect of different types of liposomes on the dynamic functions of platelets was studied. Liposomes of different composition (containing cholesterol and phosphatidylcholinethanolamine or not) and charge (containing negatively charged dicetyl phosphate or not) were shown to cause qualitatively similar but quantitatively slightly different effects and to modify the properties of the platelets: to reduce their powers of aggregation and their spherulation. The tendency for the platelets to aggregate was reduced by an increase in the concentration of liposomes, by an increase in the duration of incubation of the platelets with liposomes, and by the change from ordinary lecithin liposomes to liposomes containing phosphatidylcholinethanolamine. Suggestions are put forward regarding the mechanism of the observed phenomena and the absence of an unfavorable effect of various liposomes on platelet function is noted. © 1980 Plenum Publishing Corporation.