[The relationship between cytosolic Ca2+ and two kinds of granule number in activated platelets]

The numerical density (Nv) of the alpha-granule (alpha G) and dense granule (dG) measured by using electron microscopic morphometry and the cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) by using Ca-fluorescent indicator were observed for studying the relationship of [Ca2+]i and Nv of alpha G and dG in platelets activated by A23187, thrombin or ADP. The results showed that the [Ca2+]i rose markedly by A23187. Thrombin or ADP could also induce an increase of [Ca2+]i concentration-dependently. Under 3 different degrees of activation induced by different agonists, the close relationship between Nv of both granules, alpha G and dG, and [Ca2+]i in platelets was found (Pr(alpha G) < 0.05, Pr(dG) < 0.01). These findings indicate that the increase in [Ca2+]i may enhance the secretion of alpha G and dG.