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Serotonin, histamine and platelets in vascular disease with special reference to peripheral vascular disease
M A Barradas1, D P Mikhailidis
1Department of Chemical Pathology and Human Metabolism, Royal Free Hospital School of Medicine, University of London, United Kingdom.
Insights
Platelets contribute to vascular disease through altered function and bioamine levels. Naftidrofuryl effectively inhibits platelet aggregation, unlike aspirin, offering potential therapeutic benefits for peripheral vascular disease (PVD).
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Hematology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of mortality, influenced by factors like hyperlipidemia.
- Platelets play a role in vascular disease pathogenesis through their structure and function.
- Platelets contain vasoactive bioamines such as serotonin (5-HT) and histamine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the contribution of platelet structure and function to vascular disease.
- To examine abnormalities in platelet function and bioamine status in peripheral vascular disease (PVD) patients.
- To evaluate the in vitro effects of aspirin and naftidrofuryl on platelet aggregation.
Main Methods:
- Review of studies on platelet function (aggregation, shape change) and bioamine status in PVD patients.
- Analysis of how in vitro platelet activation and plasma lipids affect intraplatelet bioamines.
- In vitro testing of aspirin and naftidrofuryl on 5-HT-induced platelet aggregation.
Main Results:
- Abnormalities in platelet function and bioamine status are observed in PVD.
- Platelet activation and plasma lipids influence intraplatelet bioamine levels.
- Naftidrofuryl effectively inhibits 5-HT-induced platelet aggregation, whereas aspirin does not.
Conclusions:
- Platelet bioamine status and function are implicated in vascular disease pathogenesis.
- Naftidrofuryl demonstrates superior efficacy over aspirin in inhibiting serotonin-induced platelet aggregation in vitro.
- Targeting factors influencing atherosclerosis, including platelet activity, is crucial for prevention and treatment.
Abstract:
Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of death. There is evidence that this disease is predicted and its progression influenced by various factors (e.g. hyperlipidaemia). In this review, we consider aspects of platelet structure and function which may explain how this cell type contributes to the pathogenesis of vascular disease. The platelet also contains bioamines (serotonin, 5-HT; histamine) which are potent vasoactive substances. Studies involving patients with peripheral vascular disease (PVD) where abnormalities in platelet function (platelet aggregation and platelet shape change) and in bioamine status (vascular, platelet and plasma bioamine concentrations) are reviewed. We also discuss how platelet activation (in vitro) and plasma lipids influence intraplatelet bioamine status. Finally, we report in vitro evidence of the effect of two drugs prescribed to PVD patients: aspirin and naftidrofuryl. Aspirin is an ineffective inhibitor of 5-HT-induced whole blood platelet aggregation whereas naftidrofuryl is effective in the presence or absence of aspirin. By identifying and altering the factors which contribute to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis we will be better equipped to prevent, reverse or retard this process.