Increased cytosolic free Mg2+ and Ca2+ in platelets of patients with vasospastic angina

This study was designed to test the hypothesis that the cellular metabolism of Ca2+ and Mg2+, which is important in platelet function, is abnormal in the platelets of patients with vasospastic angina. Cytosolic free Mg2+ concentration ([Mg2+]i) and Ca2+ handling were determined in the platelets of 24 patients with vasospastic angina and 24 control subjects by use of mag-fura 2 and fura 2. Platelet aggregation was also examined. Basal [Mg2+]i and cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in platelets were significantly higher in patients with vasospastic angina than in control subjects. The amplitude of the [Ca2+]i transient induced by thrombin (0.03-1.0 U/ml) was significantly increased in the presence, but not in the absence, of extracellular Ca2+ in patients with vasospastic angina, as compared with controls. Therefore, the influx of Ca2+ across the plasma membrane may be accelerated in vasospastic angina. Thrombin (0.1-1.0 U/ml)-induced maximum aggregation response was significantly greater in patients with vasospastic angina than in controls. Results suggest that increased [Mg2+]i and altered Ca2+ handling by platelets may be associated with coronary vasospasm.