Platelet activation and the protective effect of aprotinin in hepatolithiasis patients.

OBJECTIVE: To explore platelet activation and the protective effect of aprotinin in patients with hepatolithiasis. METHODS: The count of platelets and levels of CD62P and CD63 were measured by flow cytometry in 38 patients with hepatolithiasis. Several measurements were carried out after treatment with aprotinin. RESULTS: The levels of CD62P, CD63 in patients with hepatolithiasis were higher than those in patients with cholecystolithiasis (P<0.05), but the count of platelets was lower (P<0.05). After operation, the levels of CD62P, CD63 were significantly increased in patients with hepatolithiasis, but the count of platelets was lower (P<0.05). Postoperative levels of CD62P, CD63 were significantly lower in patients treated with aprotinin than in normal controls (P<0.05); but there was no significant change in the count of platelets in the two groups. CONCLUSION: Platelet activation occurs in patients with hepatolithiasis, and may be inhibited by aprotinin.