Functional expression of the amplification reaction between serotonin and epinephrine on platelets

Human platelet reactions are enhanced when a combination of serotonin and epinephrine is used as a stimulus. The amplification of the response operates through S2-serotonergic and alpha 2-adrenergic receptor subtypes. The first wave of platelet aggregation, which is independent of platelet release products, is enhanced while the latency period for the occurrence of release reaction and prostaglandin biosynthesis is shortened. Synergism between serotonin and epinephrine on the platelet occurs at low concentration of agonists and may contribute to the formation of an arterial thrombus in vivo.