Summary
The local stimulation and inhibition of haemostatic plug formation was studied by
local infusion and superfusion of different agents – ADP, thrombin, adenosine, heparin,
prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) and laser injury. ADP and laser injury shortened venular haemostatic plug formation
time whereas adenosine in the superfusate and PGE1 prolonged it. Thrombin infusion had no effect but thrombin in the superfusate significantly
stabilised the haemostatic plugs. It is suggested that ADP released from red cells
is the most potent stimulator for haemostatic plug formation in the rabbit mesenteric
microcirculation.