Summary
Sodium pentobarbital (SPB) and three other barbituric acid derivatives were found
to inhibit platelet function in vitro. SPB had no effect on the primary response to ADP of platelets in platelet-rich plasma
(PRP) or washed platelets but inhibited secondary aggregation induced by ADP in human
PRP. The drug inhibited both phases of aggregation induced by epinephrine. SPB suppressed
aggregation and the release reaction induced by collagen or low concentrations of
thrombin, and platelet adherence to collagen-coated glass tubes. The inhibition by
SPB of platelet aggregation was readily reversible and isotopically labeled SPB did
not become firmly bound to platelets. No inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation
induced by ADP, collagen, or thrombin could be detected in PRP obtained from rabbits
after induction of SPB-anesthesia.