Platelet adenine nucleotides in patients with primary glomerular disease

Total platelet adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) contents and amounts of ADP and ATP released from platelets by 3 micrograms/ml of collagen were studied in 20 patients with primary glomerular disease (PGD) to examine the metabolism of these platelet substances in the disease. ADP and ATP were measured by Holmsen's firefly luciferase method. The patients had significantly lower total platelet ATP compared with controls and total platelet ATP was significantly lower in nephrotic patients than in patients whose serum albumin levels were normal. Releasable platelet ADP and ATP were both significantly decreased in patients. Releasable ADP: total ADP ratio and releasable ATP: total ATP ratio were both significantly lower in patients' platelets than in normal platelets. There was no significant difference in platelet counts between patients and controls. Platelet aggregation induced by ADP and adrenaline were significantly higher in patients compared with controls. We conclude that total ATP content and the amount of ADP and ATP released by collagen are decreased in PGD patients' platelets.