Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 19, 2026

Platelet-based Detection of Nitric Oxide in Blood by Measuring VASP Phosphorylation
Published on: January 7, 2019
Determinants of platelet responsiveness to nitric oxide in patients with chronic heart failure
R A Anderson1, G R Ellis, Y Y Chirkov
1Wales Heart Research Institute, University of Wales College of Medicine, Cardiff, Wales, UK. raanderson@ukgateway.net
Abstract:
Congestive heart failure (CHF) is associated with oxidative stress. Platelet responsiveness to nitric oxide (NO) donors, are impaired in patients with angina pectoris, possibly by increasing oxidative stress. We investigated the occurrence of platelet resistance to NO in patients, with ischaemic or non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy compared with normal subjects. Anti-aggregatory effects of sodium nitroprusside (SNP), oxidative stress and whole blood superoxide anion content were determined, with correlates of responsiveness to SNP. Inhibition of platelet aggregation by SNP was 65.4+/-3.55% in controls and 59.3+/-4.1% in CHF (P=ns) despite increased oxidative stress and post-aggregation O2- in CHF patients. However, subsets of CHF patients have NO-resistant platelets: this is associated with increasing age and/or increased oxidative stress (both p<0.05).
Related Concept Videos
Nitric Oxide Signaling Pathway
Antihypertensive Drugs: Vasodilators
Pathophysiology of Cardiac Performance
Heart Failure Drugs: β-Blockers
Antianginal Drugs: Nitrates and β-Blockers
Organic nitrates, such as nitroglycerin, play a pivotal role. Once metabolized, they liberate nitric oxide, a molecular marvel. Nitric oxide triggers guanylyl cyclase and augments cGMP production. This biochemical cascade orchestrates the relaxation of vascular smooth muscles, ushering in vasodilation and enhancing coronary blood flow. Administered...
Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology

