Inhibition of platelet aggregation by nitric oxide donors improves with rest

Andrew J M Broadley, Matthias Schmitt, Michael P Frenneaux

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

It has been suggested that the platelets of patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) exist in a more activated state than those of patients with stable coronary heart disease (CHD) or healthy individuals. "Platelet nitrate responsiveness" (PNR) has been suggested as a measure of platelet activation, and has been shown to be reduced in both ACS and stable CHD. We examined the effect of a short period of undisturbed supine rest, an intervention aimed at reducing levels of "stress", on PNR. In 8 healthy subjects we found that 45 minutes of rest led to a highly significant reduction in platelet aggregation and increase in PNR. Our finding supports the hypothesis that stress contributes to platelet activation as reflected in reduced PNR, which may contribute to the link between acute stress and cardiovascular events. It also emphasises that standardisation of sampling conditions in vitally important in studies utilizing PNR.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)347-349
Number of pages3
JournalPlatelets
Volume14
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2003

Keywords

  • Blood Platelets
  • Humans
  • Nitrates
  • Nitric Oxide Donors
  • Nitroprusside
  • Platelet Aggregation
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors

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