Elevated cytosolic free calcium concentrations in platelets of hypertensive drinkers: a weak association with alcohol consumption.

Abstract

Although the mechanisms of alcohol related hypertension remain unknown, it has been hypothesised that alcohol causes the accumulation of calcium ions (Ca2+) in vascular smooth muscle cells, resulting in the elevation of vascular tonus. To evaluate this contention, intra platelet free calcium concentrations (platelet [Ca2+]i) were determined in 20 young adult men, i.e. five each of hypertensive heavy drinkers, hypertensive light drinkers, normotensive heavy drinkers, and normotensive light drinkers. Platelet [Ca2+]i were higher in the ten hypertensives than in the ten normotensives, irrespective of alcohol consumption. The hypertensive drinkers also showed higher levels of serum gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (gamma-GTP) and parathyroid hormone (PTH). Platelet [Ca2+]i in the total 20 subjects did not correlate with alcohol consumption, but correlated positively with serum gamma-GTP levels and SBP. These preliminary study results do not support the contention that Ca2+ accumulates in the vascular smooth muscle cells of humans as a result of chronic alcohol consumption. The significance of elevated platelet [Ca2+]i observed in the hypertensive heavy drinkers in the pathogenesis of alcohol related hypertension remains obscure.

• Authors: M Ishizaki, I Tsuritani, E Ikai, R Honda, M Ishida, Y Yamada
• Journal: Journal of human hypertension (J Hum Hypertens) Vol. 7 Issue 5 Pg. 463-6 (Oct 1993) ISSN: 0950-9240 [Print] England
• PMID: 7903396 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Parathyroid Hormone
• gamma-Glutamyltransferase
• Calcium

Topics

• Adult
• Alcohol Drinking
• Blood Platelets (metabolism)
• Calcium (blood)
• Cytosol (metabolism)
• Humans
• Hypertension (blood, physiopathology)
• Male
• Osmolar Concentration
• Parathyroid Hormone (blood)
• gamma-Glutamyltransferase (blood)