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Effect of Catecholamines on Platelet Aggregation caused by Thrombin

Nature volume 215, pages 298–299 (1967)Cite this article

Abstract

THE addition of thrombin to human blood platelets results in their rapid aggregation, with release of 5-hydroxytryptamine and adenine nucleotides1. Whether thrombin-induced platelet aggregation is produced solely by adenosine diphosphate (ADP) released from the platelets or whether thrombin also has a direct aggregating effect is still not clear2,3. The aggregation by adrenaline or ADP of human platelets occurs in two phases, and it has been suggested that the second phase is brought about by ADP released from the platelets4. The second phase of platelet aggregation caused by ADP is inhibited by chlorpromazine and similar drugs, and potentiated by adrenaline5,6. Platelets are known to contain small amounts of catecholamines7,8. The evidence reported here suggests that sufficient catecholamines are released from the platelets during aggregation by thrombin to potentiate aggregation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. MRC Thrombosis Research Group, Department of Pharmacology, Royal College of Surgeons, London

    DUNCAN P. THOMAS

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  1. DUNCAN P. THOMAS
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THOMAS, D. Effect of Catecholamines on Platelet Aggregation caused by Thrombin. Nature 215, 298–299 (1967). https://doi.org/10.1038/215298a0

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