Peripheral serotonergic mechanisms in the cardiovascular system of epidermoid lung cancer patients

The aim of the work was to evaluate the peripheral serotonergic mechanisms in patients with epidermoid lung cancer. The study was performed on lung cancer patients diagnosed on the basis of histopathological findings. The subjects were treated by radiotherapy. Whole blood 5HT in patients with epidermoid lung cancer was increased, whereas uptake of 3H-5HT by platelets was diminished in these patients when compared to control group. Radiotherapy caused a lowering of serotonin in blood to levels observed in healthy subjects. Platelet aggregation induced by ADP was diminished in patients with epidermoid lung cancer, however radiotherapy resulted in an increased sensitivity of platelets to ADP (an enhanced aggregation). On the other hand, serotonergic amplification of ADP-induced platelet aggregation was higher in these patients. This effect was inhibited by radiotherapy. On the basis of our results, we may suggest that peripheral serotonergic mechanisms play an important role in pathogenesis and course of epidermoid lung cancer in humans.