[Calcium-blocking effect of nitro compounds in human platelets: correlation with changes in the cyclic guanosine...

The effects of nitrates on Ca2+ increase and cyclic nucleotide content in human platelets were studied. Nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate and sodium nitroprusside were found to inhibit the intracellular Ca2+ increase induced by the platelet activating factor, ADP and a stable thromboxane A2 analog--U46619. The inhibiting effect of sodium nitroprusside manifested itself at lower concentrations than those of nitroglycerin and isosorbide dinitrate. Nitroglycerin suppressed the Mn2+ entry into the cells and caused a 2-fold increase of the cGMP content which correlates with the calcium blocking activity. Methylene blue, a guanylate cyclase and glutathione reductase inhibitor, decreased the calcium blocking effect of nitroglycerin and its influence on the cyclic nucleotide content but failed to suppress the inhibitory effect of sodium nitroprusside. The data obtained suggest that the effects of nitrates on platelets are mediated by their influence on guanylate cyclase which leads to a cyclic nucleotide content increase and to a calcium blocking effect.