[Significance of platelet membrane destruction in vasospastic angina pectoris during its exacerbation]

The parameters of the structure and function of platelet membranes were examined in 30 patients with unstable vasospastic angina in relation to the outcome of the disease (myocardial infarction stabilization or development). The fractions of phospholipids (lysophosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylserine, sphingomyelin, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine), the levels of platelet membranous free and esterified cholesterol, plasma malonic dealdehyde and thromboxane B2, the activity of platelet superoxide dismutase and catalase were determined. The exacerbation of vasospastic angina was found to appear as accumulation of cholesterol (mainly of its fraction), an increase in platelet membranous levels of phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine and sphingomyelin, accumulation of malonic dealdehyde. These changes were more profound in cases with subsequent myocardial infarctions. There were differences in the dynamics of the examined parameters in relation to the outcome of the disease.