Defibrotide's activity on leukocytes and platelets in rabbits with diet-induced atherosclerosis.

Abstract

Oral Defibrotide decreased leukocyte and platelet counts, raised by cholesterol diet, and the area (%) of aorta endothelial surface involved in atherosclerosis. Frequency of intimal thickening in blood vessels of kidneys and hearts and in cardiac valves was reduced by oral Defibrotide by 47%, 29% and 17%. It is suggested that oral Defibrotide reduced the involvement of the aorta in the atherosclerotic process by acting on leukocytes and platelets, to both reduce their number and deactivate them.