Quantification of ATP and ADP levels in platelets from healthy human donors: a potential novel indicator of cardiovascular risk

Abstract

Background Understanding the biology of platelets is essential for the management of thrombotic diseases like stroke and cardiovascular disease. Platelets store ATP and ADP biomolecules and secrete them in response to thrombotic stimuli. However, patient-to-patient variability in storage of these biomolecules in platelets is poorly studied [1]. This study assesses ATP and ADP concentration in platelets and determines (1) the absolute values of these biomolecules per platelet, (2) the ratio of ATP and ADP in platelets and (3) the quantities released from dense granule storage sites in response to a discrete stimulus (Thrombin receptor activating peptide (TRAP); 10μM).