Effects of chitin and chitosan on blood coagulation

The effects of chitin and chitosan on blood coagulation and platelet aggregation using canine blood were evaluated. Whole blood was mixed with chitin and chitosan suspensions (0.0001 - 1.0 mg/ml), and then the blood coagulation time (BCT) was measured using the modified Ree-White method. Chitin and chitosan reduced BCT in a dose-dependent manner. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) was mixed with chitin and chitosan suspensions, and then platelet aggregation (PA) was measured using a Dual aggregometer. The PA level induced by chitin was the strongest in all samples including chitosan, cellulose, and latex. When the washed platelet was used, the PA level induced by chitin was similar to that of chitosan, while the rate of coagulation was lower than that of PRP. Chitin and chitosan enhanced the release of the platelet derived growth factor-AB (PDGF-AB) and the transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) from the platelets, particularly, - more with chitosan (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.