Evidence of Platelet Activation at Medically Used Hypothermia and Mechanistic Data Indicating ADP as a Key Mediator and Therapeutic Target

Abstract

The platelet agonist ADP plays a key role in hypothermia-induced platelet activation. Inhibition of receptor binding or hydrolysis of ADP has the potential to protect platelets against hypothermia-induced activation. Our findings provide a rational basis for further evaluation of novel antithrombotic strategies in clinically applied hypothermia.