The Problem of medical knowledge : examining the social construction of medicine

Abstract

Protein adsorption and subsequent cellular reactions are important biological events at the blood-polymer interface. Mediators like drugs, vitamins, and steroid hormones play a significant role in protein adsorption. An attempt is made to understand the effect of several i.v. agents on protein-platelet interaction with an artificial surface, polycarbonate. Pentothal, an anesthetic; lignocaine, a local anesthetic; pethidine, a narcotic anesthetic; Calmpose, a tranquilizer; and Novalgin, an analgesic, were drugs used for this study. Competitive adsorption of proteins is evaluated using a trace-labeled technique from a mixture of proteins (25 mg/dl of albumin, 15 mg/dl of tau-globulin, and 7.5 mg/dl of fibrinogen). Platelet and lymphocyte adhesion and plasma recalcification time are studied from calf blood. It is observed that these agents modulate the protein and cellular interaction and also the blood coagulation time. Therefore, proper selection of such including agents should not be overlooked for an implant surgery or while ministering to a patient with an implant.