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EFFECT OF CONCENTRATED AMBIENT PARTICULATE MATTER ON BLOOD COAGULATION PARAMETERS IN RATS
Impact/Purpose:
Several epidemiologic studies have shown an association between short-term increases in ambient particulate matter and short-term increases in morbidity and mortality, especially in people with cardiovascular disease. The biological mechanisms by which particulate matter may affect cardiovascular events are not well understood, however. Dr Christine Nadziejko of the New York University School of Medicine hypothesized that exposure of healthy rats to ambient particles may cause changes in blood coagulation parameters. The investigators objective is to prove the hypothesis that particulate matter may exert its adverse health effects by altering blood coagulation parameters. This objective is biologically relevant because clots may precipitate cardiac arrest, especially in people with cardiovascular disease.
Description:
Dr. Nadziejko and her colleagues at the New York University School of Medicine plan to evaluate the effects of exposing healthy rats to concentrated ambient particles (CAPs) and changes in blood coagulation parameters. The investigators expect to measure platelet number, blood cells counts, and levels of fibrinogen, thrombin-antithrombin complex, tissue plasminogen activator, plasminogen activator inhibitor, and factor VII of rats that will be exposed to concentrated New York City particles and filtered air for 6 hours. Investigators expect the results to show altered blood coagulation parameters in rats exposed to CAPs.