The effect of chronic alcohol administration on platelet [(3)H]5-hydroxytryptamine uptake and membrane lipid...

Platelets are widely used as peripheral models for neuronal amine uptake. Their similarity with the neurosecretory activity of nerve cells, along with similar types and activities of receptors, have prompted many investigators to postulate similar pathological abnormalities in platelets during CNS disease. Ethanol and evening primrose oil (EPO) were chronically administered alone or in combination to rats in a nutritionally balanced liquid milk diet. The platelet phospholipid composition was not altered after the chronic administration of ethanol. However ethanol significantly decreased the levels of arachidonate in platelet membranes. Administration of EPO alone significantly increased the levels of linoleic acid. Platelet 5-HT uptake was measured. The affinity of these uptake sites were unaltered, while the uptake rate, V(max), was decreased by ethanol but this decrease was attenuated by the concomitant administration of EPO. The administration of EPO attenuated some of the detrimental effects due to ethanol.