Effect of aspirin on ex vivo generation of thromboxane in healthy horses.

The research study explores the impact of varying dosages of aspirin on the production of the blood clotting agent, thromboxane B2 (TxB2), in healthy adult horses. Key findings show that all dosages of aspirin significantly reduced TxB2 concentrations, with effects lasting up to 120 hours for smaller dosages and consistently throughout the study for larger dosages.

Objective of the Study

• This study was conducted to understand the effects of different doses of aspirin on the production of thromboxane B2 in healthy horses. The researchers aimed to pinpoint the minimal effective dosage required to lessen serum TxB2 concentrations and determine how long this reduction lasts.

Study Design and Procedure

• The participants of the study were 15 healthy adult horses divided into three groups. Each group was administered a different dosage of aspirin via a nasogastric tube. The dosages were 5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, and 20 mg/kg for groups 1, 2, and 3 respectively.
• The serum TxB2 concentrations in the horses were measured before aspirin administration (baseline) and at different times (12, 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 hours, and 6 days) post-administration.

Results

• The researchers observed a significant decrease in TxB2 concentrations in all three groups after aspirin administration. The decrease was observed as early as 12 hours post-administration, and the effect persisted for up to 96 hours in group 1 and throughout the study in groups 2 and 3.
• In group 1, the TxB2 concentration decreased by 71% at 24 hours and 86% at 48 hours post-administration, returning to baseline by 120 hours.
• In group 2, the TxB2 concentrations decreased progressively at different time points, witnessing an 18% decrease six days post-administration.
• In group 3, the TxB2 concentrations significantly decreased at all measured times, with a 70% decrease observed six days post-administration. The reduction was highest in this group, suggesting a prolonged effect of aspirin at the highest dosage.

Conclusion

• The study demonstrated that aspirin significantly reduces the production of thromboxane B2 in healthy horses, regardless of the dosage. The duration of this effect increased with the dosage of aspirin administered. The study could potentially have significant implications in the use of aspirin for managing clotting disorders in horses.