Does the blood platelet phagocytic capacity depend on the sex and plasma thrombopoietic activity?
In 16 men and 25 women we tested the phagocytic activity of blood platelets. In women a higher phagocytosis index, increased blood platelet count and lower percentage of phagocytizing cells could be noted in comparison to men. Blood platelet count was significantly higher in women than in men. From this group we chose 10 men and 10 women and determined the plasma thrombopoietic activity. The results obtained were divided into two subgroups A with high and B low plasma thrombopoietic activity. In subgroup A a higher blood platelet count and phagocytosis index and a decreased percentage of phagocytizing platelets in relation to subgroup B could be found. The phagocytic activity of blood platelets in relation to sex and plasma thrombopoietic activity is briefly discussed. The role of blood platelets in antibacterial mechanisms is emphasized.
