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Increased plasma serotonin in primary pulmonary hypertension
P Hervé1, J M Launay, M L Scrobohaci
1Service de Pneumologie et Réanimation Respiratoire, Hôpital Antoine Béclère, Université Paris Sud, Clamart, France.
The American Journal of Medicine
|September 1, 1995
Summary
Primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) is linked to abnormal platelet serotonin handling, causing low platelet and high plasma serotonin levels. These platelet abnormalities persist even after heart-lung transplantation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Hematology
- Pulmonary Medicine
Background:
- Pulmonary hypertension can be associated with platelet serotonin storage defects.
- Primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) is a severe condition affecting pulmonary arteries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hypothesis that PPH is associated with impaired platelet serotonin handling.
- To determine if altered serotonin levels contribute to PPH pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Radioenzymatic assays were used to measure serotonin levels in platelets and plasma.
- Platelet serotonin release during aggregation was assessed in vitro.
- Studies included 16 PPH patients and 16 matched controls, with six patients restudied post-transplantation.
Main Results:
- PPH patients exhibited significantly decreased platelet serotonin concentration and increased plasma serotonin concentration compared to controls.
- Serotonin release during platelet aggregation was higher in PPH patients.
- Post-heart-lung transplantation, platelet serotonin remained decreased and plasma levels remained elevated.
Conclusions:
- Primary pulmonary hypertension involves abnormal platelet serotonin handling, leading to elevated plasma serotonin.
- The persistent platelet abnormality after transplantation suggests it is not a secondary consequence of PPH.