Vasodilating agents and platelet function: intracellular free calcium concentration, cyclic nucleotides, and...

The adenylate-cyclase activator forskolin, the guanylate-cyclase stimulator sodium nitroprusside, the phosphodiesterase inhibitor Ro 15-2041, different Ca-entry blockers, as well as various vasodilators, and the atrial natriuretic peptide were tested for antiplatelet activity. Thrombin, vasopressin, ADP, arachidonic acid, and the dihydropyridine Ca agonist CGP 28392 were used as platelet activators. The physiological and biochemical parameters of platelet function studied included shape-change reaction, intracellular free-Ca modulation, and cyclic nucleotide formation. When inhibition of the shape-change response occurred, it was accompanied by inhibition of the increase in intracellular free Ca. Furthermore, the results suggest a possible intracellular site of action of Ca entry blockers in platelets, and confirm the importance of modulation of cyclic nucleotides in the regulation of platelet function, regardless of the mechanism of platelet activation. Additional antiplatelet activity of antihypertensive agents may have a beneficial effect in reducing the associated risk of thrombo-embolic complications in essential hypertension.