[Reversible inhibition of thrombocyte physiology by tetracycline derivatives]

Tetracycline and its derivatives (hydroxytetracycline and chlortetracycline) exert an inhibitory action, within a concentration range of 50-1000 microM on the basic functions of human platelets: aggregation, adhesion, retraction, hypotonic shock response, and release reaction. After resuspending and transfer of the inhibited platelets into plasma not containing tetracycline derivatives the functional activity of platelets partially or completely recovered. The evidence obtained suggests that the reversible inhibitory action of tetracycline results from its ability to easily penetrate the cell membranes and to bind intracellular calcium without substantial damage to the cells.