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Lars Kaestner, Wiebke Tabellion, Peter Lipp, Ingolf Bernhardt

Prostaglandin E2- activates channel-mediated calcium entry in human erythrocytes: an indication for a blood clot formation supporting process

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is released from platelets when they are activated. Using fluorescence imaging and the patch-clamp technique, we provide evidence that PGE2 at physiological concentrations (1010 M) activates calcium rises mediated by calcium influx through a non-selective cation-channel in human red blood cells. The extent of calcium increase varied between cells with a total of 45% of the cells responding. It is well known that calcium increases elicited the calcium-activated potassium channel (Gardos channel) in the red cell membrane. Previously, it was shown that the Gardos channel activation results in potassium efflux and shrinkage of the cells. Therefore, we conclude that the PGE2 responses of red blood cells described here reveal a direct and active participation of erythrocytes in blood clot formation.

Thrombosis and Haemostasis, Schattauer

Print ISSN: 0340-6245
Volume: 92, 12/2004
Pages: 1269 - 1272

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