Importance of the Liver in the Regulation of Platelet Activity: Effect of Its Functional Exclusion (Eck Fistula)

Abstract

The functional exclusion of the liver, obtained with end-to-side anastomosis of the porta into the cava vein results in impairment of platelet activity. In fact the maximal amplitude and velocity of platelet aggregation in vitro are reduced in animals which undergo the operation and are examined 1 month later. Adding fibrinogen to the platelet-rich plasma after portacaval anastomosis restores a normal type of aggregation indicating that the lack of this factor is involved in the phenomenon, even if alterations occurring to platelets may be implied, too.