Effects of moderate alcohol consumption on platelet function, tissue-type plasminogen activator and plasminogen activator inhibitor

• Published in: Thrombosis and haemostasis Vol. 63; no. 3; p. 345
• Main Authors: Veenstra, J, Kluft, C, Ockhuizen, T H, vd Pol, H, Wedel, M, Schaafsma, G
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Germany 28-06-1990
• Subjects: Adult; Age Factors; Alcohol Drinking - physiology; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Plasminogen Inactivators - blood; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; Tissue Plasminogen Activator - blood
• ISSN: 0340-6245
• DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1645044

Short-term effects of moderate alcohol consumption on platelet function, tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI) were studied in two age groups of volunteers (20-30 and 45-55 years), each consisting of eight healthy males. The alcohol (30 g in red port and wine) was consumed during a standard dinner. Two blood samples were drawn: one in the postprandial phase, and one the next morning after fasting overnight. Alcohol consumption tended to increase platelet aggregation and production of hydroxy fatty acids, reduced plasma t-PA activity and increased PAI activity in the postprandial phase. After the overnight fast the effects on t-PA and PAI had disappeared whereas at that time alcohol consumption tended to decrease platelet function. The effects of alcohol on t-PA and PAI activity appeared mainly in the older age group, whereas the t-PA activity in this group was already much lower, irrespective of alcohol consumption.