Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 19, 2026

Analyzing Platelet Subpopulations by Multi-color Flow Cytometry
Published on: June 10, 2025
Differential effects of adenine nucleotide analogues on shape change and aggregation induced by adnosine
1School of Biological Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford.
Abstract:
Adenosine 5'-diphosphate (ADP) induces human blood platelets to aggregate and change shape, and it has been suggested that these two responses are mediated by more than one subtype of ADP receptor. The structure-activity relationships for several analogues of adenine nucleotides in causing aggregation and shape change were measured and compared in washed platelets using an aggregometer. ADP and its analogues 2-methylthioadenosine 5'-diphosphate (2-methylthio-ADP), adenosine 5'(alpha,beta-methylene)diphosphonate (AMPCP), S(P)-adenosine 5'-O-(1-thiodiphosphate) (AD-P alphaS) and adenosine 5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate) (ADPbetaS) were used as agonists. Adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) and its analogues, P1, P5-diadenosine pentaphosphate (ApsA), adenosine (5'-(alpha,beta-methylene)triphosphonate (AMPCPP), 2-methylthioadenosine 5'-triphosphate (2-methylthio-ATP) and uridine 5'-triphosphate (UTP), as well as the trypanocidal drug suramin, were used as antagonists. In general, the structure-activity relationships for both responses were similar, but for some analogues differences were observed. ADPalphaS and ADPbetaS were much more potent agonists relative to ADP for shape change than for aggregation and indeed ADPalphaS antagonized ADP-induced aggregation with an apparent pK(B) value of 5.5+/-0.1. 2-Methylthio-ATP also had different effects in aggregation and shape change, being a much higher affinity antagonist of aggregation than of shape change with an apparent pK(B) value of 7.0+/-0.2 for aggregation and 5.2+/-0.2 for shape change. These results support the suggestion that these two responses are mediated by multiple ADP receptors on human platelets, and are consistent with shape change being mediated via one receptor (the P2Y1 receptor) with aggregation requiring the activation of two receptors (the P2Y1 and another P2Y receptor).
More Related Videos
09:13Turbidimetry on Human Washed Platelets: The Effect of the Pannexin1-inhibitor Brilliant Blue FCF on Collagen-induced Aggregation
Published on: April 6, 2017
11:29HPLC-based Assay to Monitor Extracellular Nucleotide/Nucleoside Metabolism in Human Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Cells
Published on: July 20, 2016
Related Concept Videos
Antiplatelet Drugs: Prostaglandin Synthesis, P2Y12 and Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitors
Prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors, exemplified by the widely known aspirin, wield their power by irreversibly acetylating...
Adrenergic Agonists: Chemistry and Structure-Activity Relationship
Aromatic ring substitutions: Substituting the aromatic ring with –OH groups at positions 3 and 4 yields catecholamines (e.g., epinephrine), which have a high affinity for adrenoceptors. Hydrogen bonding between –OH groups and receptors enhances adrenergic activity.
Separation of the aromatic...
Adrenergic Receptors: ɑ Subtype
Adrenaline ≥ Noradrenaline >> Isoprenaline
α-adrenoceptors are further divided into α1 and α2-adrenoceptors.
α1-Adrenoceptors: These receptors are located postsynaptically on the effector organs and cause constriction of smooth muscle mediated by activation of phospholipase C—inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate...
GPCRs Regulate Adenylyl Cylase Activity
Two...
Formation of the Platelet Plug
As the injured blood vessel contracts, endothelial cells undergo contraction, revealing collagen fibers in the basement membrane and underlying connective tissue. Furthermore, the plasma membrane of endothelial cells becomes adhesive, preparing the site for platelet adhesion. Platelets...
Pharmacogenetics of Drug Targets: β₂-Adrenergic Receptors, Apo E, Thymidylate Synthase