Sphingosine induced release of K+ and 5-HT in platelets should not be confused with membrane leakiness

The release of 43K+, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and [14C]-5-hydroxytryptamine ([14C]-5-HT) from platelets treated with sphingosine and four differently charged model amphiphiles was studied. Sphingosine was found to differ from the detergents because it induced a concentration-dependent release of both 43K+ and [14C]-5-HT without causing a release of LDH. The release of [14C]-5-HT preceded the release of 43K+ and it is concluded that these effects are associated with platelet activation. The detergents caused a release of 43K+ followed by a release of LDH without causing a release of [14C]-5-HT. These effects are attributed to a non-specific perturbation of the platelet plasma membrane.