Alteration of platelet alpha 2-adrenoceptors in human hypertension
Continsouza-Blanc, D.; Elghozi, J.L.; Dausse, J.P.
Journal of Hypertension. Suppl Official Journal of the International Society of Hypertension 2(3): S155-S157
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0952-1178 PMID: 6100735 Document Number: 231838
We have previously demonstrated an alteration in cerebral and renal alpha 2-adrenoceptor densities in hypertensive rats. Since human platelets contain alpha 2-adrenoceptors, these receptors were measured in normotensive and hypertensive subjects using [3H]-rauwolscine to determine whether there was an alteration of alpha 2-adrenoceptors in human hypertension. In normotensive subjects, [3H]-rauwolscine bound to distinct high- and low-affinity alpha 2-adrenoceptor sites. In contrast, in platelets of hypertensive patients only the high-affinity alpha 2-adrenoceptor site was detectable. In addition, platelet alpha 2-adrenoceptor densities were higher in normotensive than in hypertensive subjects. This alteration, if present in other cells, could be important in the pathogenesis of hypertension.