Platelet function in hypertension

Platelets from hypertensive patients show increased sensitivity to agonists and have high intracellular free Ca2+ concentration. Furthermore, in hypertension, platelets show enhanced endogenous production of reactive oxygen species and a reduced antioxidant status which increases protein tyrosine phosphorylation, enhances Ca2+ mobilization and attenuates NO bioavailability. The study of the abnormalities in platelet function in hypertensive patients can lead to the development of new pharmacological strategies to prevent and/or palliate hypertension-derived complications associated to platelet hyperactivity. (C) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.