[Platelet membranes and thrombocyte aggregation in rats with spontaneous hypertension]

Calcium binding was significantly reduced, and lipid microviscosity increased, in platelet membranes and erythrocyte shadows of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Their platelet sensitivity to calcium was already increased at the prehypertensive stage, and the rate of A23187-induced platelet aggregation was increased significantly by 24 weeks of life. The demonstrated biochemical properties of SHR's platelet membranes can account for their increased aggregative capacity and may be important in the pathogenesis of arterial hypertension.