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Blood platelets as models for neurons: uses and limitations
Journal of Neural Transmission. Supplementum
|January 1, 1980
Summary
Platelets share functional similarities with serotonin neurons, serving as potential models for studying neurotransmitter uptake, storage, and receptor activity. However, key differences in amine synthesis and turnover limit their use as complete neuronal models.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Platelets and 5-hydroxytryptaminergic (5-HT) neurons exhibit shared characteristics in serotonin (5-HT) handling.
- Understanding these similarities can provide insights into neuronal function and drug mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the validity of platelets as models for 5-hydroxytryptaminergic neurons.
- To explore similarities and dissimilarities in monoamine systems between platelets and neurons.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of platelet and neuronal functions related to 5-HT uptake, storage, and receptor activity.
- Review of drug effects on monoamine transport and storage mechanisms.
- Discussion of platelet shape change reactions in relation to neuronal depolarization.
Main Results:
- Similarities include 5-HT uptake kinetics, antidepressant/neuroleptic effects on uptake, granular storage, drug effects on storage, and receptor responses.
- Dissimilarities involve catecholamine uptake, absence of biogenic amine biosynthesis in platelets, and differences in 5-HT turnover rates.
- Platelets are considered reasonable models for specific neuronal functions like 5-HT uptake and storage.
Conclusions:
- Platelets can serve as valuable models for studying specific aspects of 5-hydroxytryptaminergic neuron function.
- Further research is needed to clarify the significance of platelet monoamine system disturbances in neuropsychiatric disorders.
- Platelet shape change may offer a method to identify proteins involved in neuronal depolarization.