A Christov1, W J Kostuk, G Jablonsky, A Lucas. 1. Vascular Biology Group, John P. Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5K8, Canada.
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Platelet activation during percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) initiates thrombus formation and plaque regrowth at sites of arterial injury, limiting procedure efficacy. We have developed a simple assay for circulating platelet activation based on fluorescence analysis of membrane fluidity and intracellular calcium concentration and light scattering analysis of platelet aggregation. STUDY DESIGN/ MATERIALS AND METHODS: Platelet activation state was measured in 45 patients undergoing angioplasty, before and after treatment with platelet inhibitors. RESULTS: PTCA alone produced a decrease in pyrene dimer formation (P0.0083) and an increase in light scattering at 650 nm (P0.0128). Treatment with ADP and GPIIb/IIIa receptor antagonists reduced PTCA induced changes in pyrene dimer formation. An unexpected decrease in pyrene dimer formation (P0.05) was detected when the GPIIb/IIIa receptor antagonist was given together with an ADP receptor antagonist. CONCLUSIONS: 1) Analysis of membrane fluidity provides a sensitive marker for platelet activation state. 2) Reduced membrane fluidity after combined platelet inhibitor treatments suggests reduced antiplatelet efficacy. Copyright 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Platelet activation during percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) initiates thrombus formation and plaque regrowth at sites of arterial injury, limiting procedure efficacy. We have developed a simple assay for circulating platelet activation based on fluorescence analysis of membrane fluidity and intracellular calcium concentration and light scattering analysis of platelet aggregation. STUDY DESIGN/ MATERIALS AND METHODS: Platelet activation state was measured in 45 patients undergoing angioplasty, before and after treatment with platelet inhibitors. RESULTS: PTCA alone produced a decrease in pyrene dimer formation (P0.0083) and an increase in light scattering at 650 nm (P0.0128). Treatment with ADP and GPIIb/IIIa receptor antagonists reduced PTCA induced changes in pyrene dimer formation. An unexpected decrease in pyrene dimer formation (P0.05) was detected when the GPIIb/IIIa receptor antagonist was given together with an ADP receptor antagonist. CONCLUSIONS: 1) Analysis of membrane fluidity provides a sensitive marker for platelet activation state. 2) Reduced membrane fluidity after combined platelet inhibitor treatments suggests reduced antiplatelet efficacy. Copyright 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.