Effects of milrinone on platelet aggregation in swine with pulmonary hypertension

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the effect of milrinone on platelet aggregation was related to the selectivity of vasodilation vasculature in a swine model with PH. Materials and Methods:To induce pulmonary hypertension, we Injected two sets of acid-washed glass beads in 15 swine, which were divided into two groups (those receiving milrinone or not) and compared with each other. Results:The induction of pulmonary hypertension decreased the platelet count and increased the plasma levels of thromboxane B-2 and 6-keto-prostaglandin F-1 alpha. Conclusion: A locally high concentration of prostaglandin I-2, at least in part, may produce selectivity of vasodilation in the pulmonary vasculature. Copyright (C) 2000 by W.B. Saunders Company.