Platelet Function Changes in a Time-Dependent Manner Following Traumatic Brain Injury in a Murine Model.

Abstract

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) results in systemic changes in coagulation and inflammation that contribute to post-traumatic morbidity and mortality. The potential interaction of platelets and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the modulation of coagulation, microthrombosis, and venous thromboembolic events after moderate TBI has not been determined. Using a murine model, we hypothesized that the degree of platelet-induced coagulation varies depending on the platelet aggregation agonist platelet-induced coagulation changes in a time-dependent manner following TBI, and changes in platelet-induced coagulation are mirrored by changes in the levels of circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines. An established weight-drop model was used to induce TBI in anesthetized mice. Blood samples were collected at intervals after injury for measurements of platelet count, serum fibrinogen, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and determination of soluble P-selectin levels. Thromboelastometry was used to evaluate changes in hemostasis. Platelet function was determined using whole blood impedance aggregometry. Ten minutes following TBI, adenosine diphosphate-induced platelet aggregation decreased as measured by platelet aggregometry. Despite no changes in platelet counts and serum fibrinogen, platelet aggregation, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and soluble P-selectin were increased at 6 h after TBI. Rotation thromboelastometry demonstrated increased maximal clot firmness at 6 h. Platelet function and coagulability returned to baseline levels 24 h following head injury. Our data demonstrate that after TBI, acute platelet dysfunction occurs followed by rebound platelet hyperaggregation. Alterations in post-TBI platelet aggregation are reflected in whole blood thromboelastometry and are temporally associated with the systemic pro-inflammatory response.