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Adrenaline induced platelet activation and formation of platelet-leukocyte aggregates in posttraumatic stress disorder

Hypothesis of higher CVD risk in PTSD is supported by findings of an increased sympathetic activity, higher concentrations of circulating catecholamines (including adrenaline) and exaggerated catecholamine responses to trauma-related stimuli. Studies also indicate higher alpha2-adrenoreceptor density on the platelets of PTSD patients. We assumed that platelets from PTSD patients may be more reactive to endogenous adrenaline which could lead to more frequent formation of platelet-leukocyte aggregates. Our aim was to determine whether adrenaline can induce formation of leukocyte-platelet aggregates in vitro, especially upon administration of small doses of adrenaline comparable to those observed ex vivo during acute stress reaction. We also wanted to test whether this effect is alpha2-adrenoreceptor specific by addition of alpha2-antagonist, yohimbine. Finally, we wanted to determine whether PTSD patients have exaggerated adrenaline induced in vitro platelet reactivity. Platelet reactivity in PTSD patients (n=8) and healthy controls (n=7) to increasing concentrations of adenosine-diphosphate (ADP), adrenaline, or their combination was tested using whole-blood flow cytometry technique. Dose dependent formation of monocyte-platelet and neutrophil-platelet aggregates could be induced by adrenaline only if subliminal concentrations of adenosine-diphosphate (ADP) were added prior to stimulation. However, adrenaline induced platelet reactivity and aggregates formation in PTSD patients did not differ from controls.

adrenaline; platelets; leukocytes; ptsd; cardiovascular disease

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