In vivo study of platelet aggregation in rats.

A simple in vivo method for the study of platelet aggregation in rats is described. The presence of circulating platelet aggregates in the blood of rats is shown after induction of intravascular platelet aggregation. This aggregation can be triggered either acutely, for example with ADP and collagen, or chronically, for example with a thrombogenic diet. The antagonist activity of acetylsalicylic acid indicates that this method can be used to evaluate anti-thrombotic drugs.