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Studies on calcium exchange in platelets in human diabetes
C H Bergh1, A Hjalmarson, G Holm
1Wallenberg Laboratory, Sahlgren's Hospital, University of Göteborg, Sweden.
European Journal of Clinical Investigation
|February 1, 1988
Summary
Platelets in diabetes show altered calcium handling, with increased influx and impaired release. Insulin and nutritional status can influence these calcium abnormalities in diabetic platelets.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Endocrinology
- Hematology
Background:
- Calcium plays a critical role in platelet aggregation.
- Altered calcium metabolism in platelets may contribute to complications in diabetes mellitus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate calcium metabolism in platelets from patients with insulin-treated diabetes.
- To assess the impact of diabetes on calcium influx, efflux, and release from intracellular stores.
Main Methods:
- Measured 45Ca2+ influx and efflux rates in platelets from diabetic patients and controls.
- Utilized saponin permeabilization and inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP3) to assess calcium release from the dense tubular system.
- Evaluated the influence of nutritional and hormonal status on calcium handling.
Main Results:
- Diabetic platelets exhibited a 35% increased 45Ca2+ influx rate compared to controls.
- A reduced initial but similar total 2-hour efflux of calcium was observed in diabetic platelets.
- The response to IP3-induced calcium release was significantly blunted in diabetic platelets (17% vs. 43% in controls).
- Insulin and nutritional status modulated IP3-induced calcium release in diabetic platelets.
Conclusions:
- Abnormalities in platelet calcium handling, including altered influx and impaired intracellular calcium release, are present in diabetes mellitus.
- These platelet calcium abnormalities are influenced by both insulin therapy and the patient's nutritional status.