Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 21, 2026
08:38
Quantification of the Immunosuppressant Tacrolimus on Dried Blood Spots Using LC-MS/MS
Published on: November 8, 2015
16.1K
[In vitro effects of tacrolimus on platelet function].
Chunwei DU1, Xiujuan Wang1, Lili Zhao1
1Laboratory of Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Ministry of Health, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China.
Zhonghua Xue Ye Xue Za Zhi = Zhonghua Xueyexue Zazhi
|October 24, 2014
Summary
High concentrations of the immune inhibitor tacrolimus can induce platelet apoptosis in vitro. Lower therapeutic doses affect platelet aggregation differently based on the stimulating agent.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Hematology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Tacrolimus is an immunosuppressive drug.
- Platelet function is crucial in hemostasis and thrombosis.
- Understanding drug effects on platelets is vital for patient safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro effects of tacrolimus on platelet function.
- To assess tacrolimus' impact on platelet aggregation, mitochondrial potential, and apoptosis.
Main Methods:
- Platelets from healthy volunteers were incubated with varying tacrolimus concentrations.
- Flow cytometry assessed mitochondrial membrane potential and P-selectin expression.
- Western blot detected apoptosis-related proteins; platelet aggregometry measured aggregation function.
Main Results:
- Low-dose tacrolimus (0.06 μmol/L) differentially affected platelet aggregation.
- High-dose tacrolimus (120, 240 μmol/L) reduced mitochondrial potential and induced caspase-3 expression, indicating apoptosis.
- No effect on ristocetin and von Willebrand factor-induced aggregation was observed.
Conclusions:
- High-concentration tacrolimus induces platelet apoptosis in vitro.
- Therapeutic tacrolimus doses exhibit variable effects on platelet aggregation depending on the stimulus.
