Platelet aggregation, ATP release and cytoplasmic Ca2+ movement: the effects of cloricromene

A placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized, cross-over study was performed in 24 healthy volunteers. 12 volunteers received Cloricromene (100mg gastroresistant capsules twice a day) for 7 days, the other volunteers received identical placebo capsules. Subsequently, after a 7-day wash-out period, at day 15, each subject received the other treatment. Blood samples were taken on days 1 and 15 (1st day of each treatment) as well as on days 7 and 21 (7th day of each treatment) before the morning drug administration and 2 and 4 hours later. Platelet aggregation and ATP secretion were studied in whole blood (WB) using ADP and collagen as stimulating agents. Ca2+ fluxes were studied in aequorin-loaded, washed platelets stimulated with ADP and collagen, while aggregation in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) was studied using PAF, ADP and adrenaline as agonists. Consistent inhibition of aggregation and release induced by both ADP and collagen was observed in WB after Cloricromene administration. Similarly, Ca2+ flux was also inhibited after drug administration. Platelet aggregation in PRP was inhibited only after 7 days of Cloricromene treatment with ADP and adrenaline as stimuli. We conclude that oral administration of Cloricromene leads to significant antiplatelet activity in healthy volunteers, in particular when platelets are studied in the presence of other blood elements.