Effect of aspirin upon experimental coronary and non-coronary thrombosis and arrhythmia

The effect of aspirin upon platelet function led to speculation on the potential effects of salicylates upon arterial thrombogenesis, in which platelets play a primary role. Aspirin was given by mouth or intravenously before attempting induction of coronary or femoral artery thrombosis in dogs by means of a catheter electrode. The incidence of thrombus formation in all animals receiving aspirin was comparable to that of the control groups. Although in several animals of coronary thrombus group receiving aspirin, the thrombus was smaller than in the controls, this was not statistically significant. An unexpected finding was the distinct decrease in incidence of arrhythmias and ventricular fibrillation in the coronary thrombus group treated with aspirin. The reason for the differences is not clear at this time.