The effect of vanadium on platelet function

Vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) inhalation effect on platelet function in mice was explored, as well as the in vitro effect on human platelets. Mouse blood samples were collected and processed for aggregometry and flow cytometry to assess the presence of P-selectin and monocyte-platelet conjugates. Simultaneously, human platelets were processed for aggregometry. The mouse results showed platelet aggregation inhibition in platelet-rich-plasma (PRP) at four-week exposure time, and normality returned at eight weeks of exposure, remaining unchanged after the exposure was discontinued after four weeks. This platelet aggregation inhibition effect was reinforced with the in vitro assay. In addition, P-selectin preserved their values during the exposure, until the exposure was discontinued during four weeks, when this activation marker increased. We conclude that vanadium affects platelet function, but further studies are required to evaluate its effect on other components of the hemostatic system.

► We studied in vitro the effect of vanadium on platelets and in an inhalation model. ► There was no platelet activation. ► We found an inhibition of platelet aggregation in vivo at 4-week of exposure. ► Human platelets in vitro also showed inhibited aggregation in a dose-response relationship.