Ultrasonic exposure modifies platelet morphology and function in vitro

Samples of human platelet rich plasma (PRP) exposed to 1 MHz ultrasonic irradiation contained more cellular debris than their controls, indicating that a small population of the cells had been disrupted, possibly by some form of cavitation-like activity. The surviving cells appeared undamaged under the electron microscope and functioned as well as their controls in forming a platelet thrombus when tested immediately after the ultrasonic exposure but not after a 30 min incubation at 22°C. Parallel studies showed that incubation of control platelets with substances released from damaged or disrupted platelets could mimic the changes seen in incubated samples which had previously been exposed to ultrasound.