Increased membrane-bound calcium in platelets of hypertensive patients

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-1989

Abstract

The fluorescent indicator chlortetracycline was used to estimate membrane-bound calcium in mild, untreated hypertensive patients (n = 39) and normotensive controls (n = 42). All participants were black. After incubation with chlortetracycline, platelet-rich plasma was centrifuged into a pellet and fluorescence was measured with a microspectrofluoromenter. At an interval of 45 minutes mean fluorescence values were 11% higher in the hypertensive than in the normotensive group (567 ± 95 vs. 512 ± 100 counts/sec, p < 0.02). With both groups of participants combined, a correlation of borderline statistical significance was noted between diastolic blood pressure and chlortetracycline fluorescence (r = 0.213, p = 0.056). In parallel experiments, sodium and potassium concentrations were measured in red blood cells. Intracellular sodium was also significantly higher in the hypertensive group (p < 0.01). These data indicate that the total cell burden of calcium is increased in the platelets of hypertensive individuals, possibly a result of abnormal cell metabolism of calcium, and further suggest that circulating platelets in hypertensive individuals may be in a hyperaggregable state.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Hypertension

First Page

139

Last Page

144

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