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Platelet aggregation with arachidonic acid
Last reviewed: 06.07.2025
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Arachidonic acid is a natural aggregation agonist, and its action is mediated by the effects of prostaglandins G 2 and H 2 and thromboxane A 2 and includes the activation of both phospholipase C with subsequent formation of secondary messengers, mobilization of intracellular calcium and expansion of the cell activation process, and phospholipase A 2, which directly leads to the release of endogenous arachidonic acid.
Activation of platelets under the influence of arachidonic acid occurs quite quickly, therefore the curve characterizing this process is often single-wave.
To induce platelet aggregation, arachidonic acid is used in concentrations of 1×10 -3 -1×10 -4 mol. When working with arachidonic acid, it should be taken into account that this substance oxidizes very quickly in air.
The arachidonic acid platelet aggregation test is recommended in cases of using drugs that affect the aggregation reaction (e.g., acetylsalicylic acid, penicillin, indomethacin, delagyl, diuretics), which should be taken into account when evaluating the test results.
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