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Variation in cytoplasmic calcium increase in platelets as a normal response in healthy persons
1Pediatric Research Institute (UiO), Oslo, Norway. o.s.pedersen@rh.uio.no
Insights
Human mood fluctuations correlate with serotonin metabolism in platelets. This study found seasonal variations in platelet calcium levels, suggesting a link between cell physiology and mood regulation mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Physiology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Seasonal variations in cell physiology are recognized.
- Human mood fluctuations are linked to platelet serotonin metabolism.
- The underlying mechanisms for these mood-related physiological changes are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the seasonal variations in platelet calcium mobilization.
- To explore the relationship between platelet calcium dynamics and seasonal mood changes.
- To elucidate the mechanisms linking cell physiology to mood.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the calcium-selective fluorescent probe fura-2 over four years.
- Measured intracellular calcium levels in platelets.
- Stimulated platelets with adenosine 5' diphosphate (ADP) and arginine vasopressin (AVP).
Main Results:
- Observed statistically significant periodic variations in basal platelet calcium levels.
- Documented seasonal fluctuations in the amount of calcium mobilized to the cytoplasm.
- Found significant seasonal variations in the rate of calcium increase induced by AVP.
Conclusions:
- Platelet calcium levels exhibit significant seasonal periodicity in healthy individuals.
- These findings suggest a potential physiological basis for seasonal mood variations.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms involved in platelet calcium regulation and its link to mood.
Abstract:
Seasonal changes in cell physiology are well known. Fluctuations of mood in humans are reflected in the serotonin metabolism in platelets. The mechanisms involved remain unknown. Over four years we have studied the increase in levels of platelet calcium caused by minimal doses of the agonists adenosine 5' diphosphate (ADP) and arginine vasopressin (A8VP) using the calcium-selective fluorescent probe fura-2. We found that in blood platelets from healthy people the basal level of calcium, the amount of calcium mobilized to the cytoplasm and, for vasopressin, the rate of calcium rise, varied periodically and sufficiently to be statistically significant.