Platelet cytosolic free calcium concentration in hypertension associated with early stage kidney disease

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Abstract
Chronic hypertension accompanying early stage kidney disease is characterized by increased vascular resistance, but the underlying processes responsible for the enhanced vascular tone are unclear. We studied free calcium levels in blood platelets with the fluorescent dye quin-2. Platelets have many features in common with vascular smooth muscle cells. The cytosolic calcium concentration in platelets was elevated in 27 renal hypertensive patients, who were compared with 12 normotensive subjects (Pr=0.88,PPr=0.95,P<0.001). These data suggest an integrative contributory role of calcium in the pathophysiology of hypertension accompanying early stage kidney disease.