Platelet adhesiveness and lipoprotein lipase activity in controls and in subjects taking oral contraceptives.

Abstract

Total platelet counts and platelet adhesiveness by the rotating bulb technique were measured in 21 controls and 19 subjects taking various combined and sequential oral contraceptives. No significant differences were obtained between groups or with menstrual cycle day. Lipoprotein lipase activity in response to 10 units of heparin was 0.26 microequivalents of fatty acid per milliliter per minute in controls and 0.17 in pill users. Plasma inhibition of lipoprotein lipase was twice as great in controls; thus a plasma inhibitor was not responsible for decreased lipase acitvity.