Combination of two doses of acetyl salicylic acid: Experimental study of arterial thrombosis

The antithrombotic effect of high dose acetylsalicylic acid is well known, and recently, in vitro studies hinted the potent thrombotic effect of ultra-low dose of acetylsalicylic acid (<1 mg/day) showing a significant decrease in bleeding time. In this study, we investigated the effect of a combination between a high and an ultra-low dosage (100 mg/kg+10(-30) mg/kg) on an arterial thrombosis induced by a laser beam. We used an intravital microscopic technique, allowing to evaluate (anti)-thromboembolic events at previously determined locations of microvasculature. Thrombus formation was induced by argon-laser shot. The instrumental test setup was completed with a video system, to select mesenteric arterioles with the same diameter (between 15 and 25 mu m). The changes in platelet aggregability were determined by Cardinal and Flower method, and the concentration of acetylsalicylic acid in the plasma was measured by high pressure liquid chromatography. Antithrombotic effect of high dose (100 mg/kg) acetylsalicylic acid was confirmed in all results obtained. Asa injected at ultra-low dose (10(-30) mg/kg) had a potent thrombotic properties and decreased significantly the bleeding time. The subcutaneous administration of the combination of the two doses permitted to come back to the control values, and the bleeding time was shortened compared to control group. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd.