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Hypertension does not affect intracellular calcium uptake in human platelets
M Eberhard1, D Evéquoz, P Erne
1Department of Research, Kantonsspital, Basel, Switzerland.
American Journal of Hypertension
|February 1, 1996
Summary
This study found no link between hypertension and calcium (Ca2+) transport in platelet endoplasmic reticulum. Platelet calcium uptake rates did not correlate with blood pressure, suggesting other mechanisms may increase cytosolic Ca2+ in hypertension.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Cell Biology
- Hypertension Research
Background:
- Elevated cytosolic calcium (Ca2+) in platelets is observed in hypertension.
- The role of platelet endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ transport in this phenomenon is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between platelet endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ uptake and hypertension severity.
Main Methods:
- Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in 17 untreated hypertensive patients.
- Saponin permeabilization of platelets.
- Measurement of ATP-driven, thapsigargin-sensitive Ca2+ uptake using fluo-3 fluorescence.
Main Results:
- No significant correlation was found between blood pressure parameters (systolic, diastolic, day, night) and platelet Ca2+ uptake rates.
- A weak, non-significant correlation was observed between Ca2+ uptake and heart rate.
Conclusions:
- The activity of Ca2+ uptake into the platelet endoplasmic reticulum does not appear to be directly related to hypertension.
- Mechanisms other than altered Ca2+ uptake activity may be responsible for increased cytosolic Ca2+ in platelets of hypertensive individuals.