Studies on inhibition of human platelet response by diltiazem

1. Aim of the present investigation was to investigate the effects of calcium blocking agent diltiazem on human platelet response to aggregating agents. 2. Results showed that diltiazem inhibits platelet aggregation induced by ADP, arginine vasopressin, adrenaline, collagen, Na arachidonate, thrombin and phorbol ester PMA in a dose-dependent way. 3. Diltiazem decreased also beta-thromboglobulin release and Thromboxane B2 production from stimulated platelets. 4. Intraplatelet cyclic AMP levels were not modified by the substance. 5. Data provide evidence that the modulation of human platelet function by diltiazem could be also related to inhibition of protein kinase C.