THE MEMBRANE-POTENTIAL OF HUMAN-PLATELETS

  • 1 January 1983
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 61  (1) , 180-185
Abstract
The membrane potential of the human platelet was investigated by using the membrane potential probes 3,3''-dipropyl-2,2''-thiadicarbocyanine iodide and 3H-triphenylmethylphosphonium bromide. The membrane potential in physiologic buffer was estimated to be 52-60 mV inside negative. The membrane was depolarized when extracellular K or H ion concentrations were increased. Changes in extracellular Na, Cl or Ca ion concentration had no measurable effect on membrane potential. Elevated extracellular K increased platelet sensitivity to the aggregating agent, ADP. Changes in extracellular ion concentrations that depolarize platelets apparently increase platelet sensitivity to aggregating agents. Membrane potential changes may play a role in modulating the response of platelets to aggregating agents.