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Cytosolic free magnesium concentration in human platelets
K Matsuno1, M Koyama, H Takeda
1Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hokkaido University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan.
Thrombosis Research
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Magnesium ion (Mg2+) is crucial for cell activation, but measuring its concentration was difficult. A new method shows Mg2+ levels increase significantly during human platelet activation.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Hematology
Background:
- Magnesium ion (Mg2+) is vital for cellular processes, including cell activation.
- Accurate measurement of cytosolic free Mg2+ concentration ([Mg2+]i) is challenging due to limited methodologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure cytosolic free Mg2+ concentration ([Mg2+]i) in resting and activated human platelets.
- To investigate the role of Mg2+ in platelet activation using a novel indicator.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a new fluorescent Mg2+-indicator, mag-fura-2, for [Mg2+]i measurement.
- Quantified [Mg2+]i in resting and activated human platelets from healthy volunteers.
Main Results:
- Resting platelets showed a [Mg2+]i of 0.54 +/- 0.14 mM.
- Platelet stimulation with thrombin and collagen elevated [Mg2+]i to 1.33 +/- 0.44 mM and 0.92 +/- 0.37 mM, respectively.
- Elevated Mg2+ primarily resulted from intracellular Mg2+ mobilization.
Conclusions:
- Platelet activation is associated with a significant increase in cytosolic free Mg2+ concentration.
- The mag-fura-2 method provides a valuable tool for studying cell activation mechanisms involving Mg2+.