The Effect of Surgery on the Concentration of Circulating Megakaryocytes and Platelets

The mean concentration of megakaryocytes in antecubital vein blood of 43 normal men and women was 3.4/ml. (range 0-13). No circulating megakaryocytes were found in 6 patients with thrombocytopenia due to marrow failure. Following surgery the average maximal megakaryocyte level increased to 50/ml. (range 15-190) from a preoperative mean of 8/ml. The maximal level was reached on about the third postoperative day with the platelet concentration reaching maximal levels 3 to 6 days later.