The increase in the number of circulating megakaryocytes and blood platelets in rats after surgery.

The effect of surgery on the number of circulating megakaryocytes in the inferior vena cava was studied in 58 female rats 1–20 d after intervention. A significant postoperative increase in the number of circulating megakaryocytes was found, without any change in the percentage distribution of megakaryocytes with copious cytoplasm (27 % as against 25 %) and naked nuclei. The number of blood platelets on the first three post-operative days was normal, but showed an increase from day 4 to day 18 with a maximum increase on days 7–11 to about 150 %.