Angiotensin II and Na+/H+ exchange in human blood platelets

Human blood platelets have a high potency for Na+/H+ exchange activity; they also bear receptors for angiotensin II (Ang II). To explore the effect of Ang II on the exchange, we have used a fluorimetric analysis capable of detecting cytoplasmic changes of 0.01 pH units in platelets, together with an Ang II preparation which has been proven to be effective as a vasoconstrictor. Thrombin and adenosine diphosphate (ADP) affected Na+/H+ exchange, but Ang II did not affect Na+/H+ exchange for a wide range of concentrations and experimental conditions. It is concluded that in contrast to its function in vascular smooth muscle cells, Ang II apparently does not play a role in the regulation of Na+/H+ exchange in human blood platelets.