Evaluation of platelet activation and platelet-neutrophil aggregates in Thoroughbreds undergoing near-maximal treadmill exercise
Weiss, D.J.; Evanson, O.A.; Fagliari, J.J.; Valberg, S.
American Journal of Veterinary Research 59(4): 393-396
1998
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9645 PMID: 9563618 Document Number: 496210
Four Thoroughbred horses were subjected to 4 standardized exercise tests at treadmill speed of 12 m/s. Blood samples were collected before and 5 min after exercise. Flow cytometric techniques were used to identify activated platelets and flow cytometric and microscopic techniques to identify platelet-neutrophil aggregates. Platelet-neutrophil aggregates increased from 2.8+or-0.4% at rest to 17.2+or-1.1% and 14.7+or-1.6% during and after exercise, respectively. Platelet activation was not detected during or after exercise. It is concluded that platelet and neutrophil consistently form aggregates during strenuous exercise in horses.