Laser-induced primary and secondary hemostasis dynamics and mechanisms in relation to selective photothermolysis of port wine stains

Background

Superficial vascular anomalies such as port wine stains are commonly treated by selective photothermolysis (SP). The endovascular laser-tissue interactions underlying SP are governed by a photothermal response (thermocoagulation of blood) and a hemodynamic response (thrombosis). Currently it is not known whether the hemodynamic response encompasses both primary and secondary hemostasis, which platelet receptors are involved, and what the SP-induced thrombosis kinetics are in low-flow venules.

Objectives

To (1) define the role and kinetics of primary and secondary hemostasis in laser-induced thrombus formation and (2) determine which key platelet surface receptors are involved in the hemodynamic response.

Methods

532-nm laser-irradiated hamster dorsal skin fold venules were studied by intravital fluorescence microscopy following fluorescent labeling of platelets with 5(6)-carboxyfluorescein. Heparin and fluorescently labeled anti-glycoprotein Ib-α (GPIbα) and anti-P-selectin antibodies were administered to investigate the role of coagulation and platelet receptors, respectively. Lesional sizes were quantified by software.

Results

Laser irradiation consistently produced sub-occlusive thermal coagula. Thrombosis was triggered in all irradiated venules in a thermal coagulum-independent manner and peaked at 6.25 min post-irradiation. Heparin decreased the maximum thrombus size and caused thrombosis to reach a maximum at 1.25 min. Immunoblocking of GPIbα abated the extent of thrombosis, whereas immunoblocking of P-selectin had no effect.

Conclusions

The hemodynamic response ensues the photothermal response in a thermal coagulum-independent manner and involves primary and secondary hemostasis. Primary hemostasis is mediated by constitutively expressed GPIbα but not by activation-dependent P-selectin.