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Calcium channels in thrombin-activated human platelet membrane

Nature volume 334, pages 703–705 (1988)Cite this article

Abstract

Platelet-activating factor, 5-hydroxytryptamine, thromboxane A2, adenosine diphosphate and thrombin are known to activate platelets by stimulating calcium entry1,2, but the nature of the entry pathways is unknown3. We present the identification of single divalent cation channels from thrombin-activated human platelets. Membrane vesicles from unstimulated and thrombin-stimulated human platelets were incorporated in planar bilayers and unitary currents through single channels were measured. Divalent cation selective channels could only be demonstrated in thrombin-stimulated preparations. These channels share a number of properties in common with voltage-dependent calcium channels—a high degree of selectivity for divalent cations, a single channel conductance of about 10 pS (in 150 mM Ba2+) and sensitivity to blockade by inorganic calcium channel blockers such as Ni2+. In other respects, these channels are different as they are not voltage-dependent and are not blocked by 1,4-dihydropyridine calcium channel antagonists.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departments of Research and Medicine, University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland

    A. Zschauer & F. R. Bühler

  2. Pharmacology Department, University of Miami Medical School, Florida, 33101, USA

    C. van Breemen

  3. Department of Pharmacology, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont, 05403, USA

    M. T. Nelson

Authors
  1. A. Zschauer
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  2. C. van Breemen
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  3. F. R. Bühler
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  4. M. T. Nelson
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Zschauer, A., van Breemen, C., Bühler, F. et al. Calcium channels in thrombin-activated human platelet membrane. Nature 334, 703–705 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1038/334703a0

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