Intralipid infusion into humans reduces in vitro platelet aggregation and alters platelet lipid composition

Intralipid (Kabi Vitrum Inc, Alameda, CA) infusion into normal volunteers results in substantial elevation in serum triglyceride, phospholipids, and free cholesterol concentrations. Platelet aggregation induced in vitro in platelet-rich plasma by collagen or ADP was significantly reduced by up to 40% and 45%, respectively, during the infusion period but returned to preinfusion levels 18 hours after the end of the infusion. In parallel, platelet lipid composition was also affected. Platelet free cholesterol content was reduced by up to 20% during the infusion of Intralipid, whereas platelet triglyceride and phospholipid contents increased by 3.5-fold and twofold, respectively. Eighteen hours after the end of the infusion, both platelet cholesterol and triglyceride returned to preinfusion levels, but platelet phospholipid was still elevated. Both components of Intralipid (liposomes and triglyceride-phospholipid particles) were able to decrease in vitro platelet aggregation and platelet cholesterol content. Our results demonstrate decreased platelet function induced by Intralipid infusion into humans, which was associated with reduced platelet cholesterol content. These results suggest possible antiatherogenic effects of infusing Intralipid in humans.