Shape change and aggregation of blood platelets: interaction between the effects of adenosine and diphosphate,...

1 The interaction of effects between 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and adenosine diphosphate (ADP) on human or rabbit platelets was investigated in vitro. The initial platelet shape change and their aggregation were measured in stirred, citrated platelet-rich plasma (PRP) at 37 degrees C by recording the rate and extent of changes in light scattering and light transmission. 2 Both the velocity and extent of aggregation and the velocity and extent of the rapid morphological change caused by ADP were enhanced by simultaneous addition of 5-HT. Methysergide but not imipramine inhibited the 5-HT effects. 3 Platelets were made refractory to the aggregating and shape changing effect of either ADP or 5-HT by repeated aggregation with the particular agent; platelets made refractory to ADP retained their responsiveness to 5-HT and platelets made refractory to 5-HT responded to ADP. Platelets pre-incubated for 3-10 min with 5-HT without aggregation showed greatly reduced aggregation on subsequent addition of ADP. Methysergide inhibited all the effects of 5-HT whilst imipramine was inactive. 4 When the shape change or aggregation of platelets induced by ADP was submaximal, addition of 5-HT increased it further. Pre-incubation of PRP with 5-HT before the addition of ADP resulted in failure of the secondary induction of aggregation or shape change by 5-HT. The secondary induction by 5-HT also did not occur in the presence of methysergide; imipramine had no inhibitory effect. Similar secondary induction of aggregation was shown by adrenaline injected during aggregation by ADP; the adrenaline effect was removed by phentolamine but not by propranolol. 5 Our results show that the initial change in shape of platelets and their aggregation can be induced by ADP or 5-HT in specific manner. The interaction of the effect of these substances on platelets can result in either increase in platelet sensitivity or, under certain conditions, decrease in platelet responsiveness. The increase or depression of platelet reactivity appears to be a highly specific effect and is probably mediated at specific receptors involved with platelet activation.