Ketanserin (S2-receptor blocking agent) , platelet activity and chronic alcoholism
Santini, P.; Ceccanti, M.; De Lorenzo, A.; Pisculli, M.; Di Giovanni, M.G.; Cavaleri, G.; Attilia, M.L.; Berbellini, A.
International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology Research 6(1): 73-76
1986
ISSN/ISBN: 0251-1649 PMID: 2937746 Document Number: 271643
Ketanserin is a pure and selective antagonist of serotonin S2-receptors in blood vessels, platelets and bronchial tissue. It antagonizes serotonin-induced vasoconstriction, bronchoconstriction and platelet aggregation, and indirectly it blocks platelet release reaction. Ketanserin has little or no effect on healthy subjects. Serotonin-induced or serotonin-potentiated platelet aggregation is inhibited in blood drawn from ketanserin-treated healthy volunteers. Oral or parenteral ketanserin treatment did not cause major changes in beta-thromboglobulin (beta-TG) and platelet factor 4 (PF4) plasma concentrations, when basic values were normal. Increased microaggregate formation was found in alcoholics and heavy drinkers. It was also found that beta-TG and PF4 levels were higher in these patients than in the controls. Ketanserin treatment tended to normalize these protein levels in such patients.