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Updated: Apr 26, 2026

Analyzing Platelet Subpopulations by Multi-color Flow Cytometry
Published on: June 10, 2025
Alzheimer and platelets: low-density platelet populations reveal increased serotonin content in Alzheimer type
Micha Milovanovic1, Kristoffer Eriksson2, Bengt Winblad3
1Department of Internal Medicine, Vrinnevi Hospital, Norrköping, Sweden; Department of Social and Welfare, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
Introduction:
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive form of dementia characterized by an increase in the toxic substance β-amyloid in the brain. Platelets display a substantial heterogeneity with respect to density. They further contain a substantial amount of β-amyloid precursor protein. Platelets take up and store serotonin (5-HT) that plays an important role in the pathogenesis of severe depression. The current study aims to investigate platelet serotonin content in different platelet density populations.
Material And Methods:
The study involved 8 patients (age 70±8 (SD) years) (3 females/5 males) with moderate AD. 6 healthy elderly subjects (age 66±9 (SD) years) (3 females/3 males) served as controls. The platelet population was divided into 17 subpopulations according to density, using a linear Percoll™ gradient. Platelets were counted in all fractions. After cell lysis an ELISA technique was employed to determine the 5-HT content in each platelet subfraction.
Results:
The two study groups did not differ significantly regarding platelet distribution in the gradients, but AD sufferers have a significantly higher 5-HT content (p<0.05) in the lighter platelet populations.
Discussion:
AD-type dementia proved to be associated with lighter platelets containing more 5-HT. It is possible that platelets from AD patients release less 5-HT. It is speculated that AD synapses are affected in a manner comparable to platelets, which could explain why 5-HT reuptake inhibitors are less effective in AD dementia.
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