Summary
Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is released from platelets when they are activated. Using fluorescence imaging and
the patch-clamp technique, we provide evidence that PGE2 at physiological concentrations (10−10 M) activates calcium rises mediated by calcium influx through a non-selective cation-channel
in human red blood cells. The extent of calcium increase varied between cells with
a total of 45% of the cells responding. It is well known that calcium increases elicited
the calcium-activated potassium channel (Gardos channel) in the red cell membrane.
Previously, it was shown that the Gardos channel activation results in potassium efflux
and shrinkage of the cells. Therefore, we conclude that the PGE2 responses of red blood cells described here reveal a direct and active participation
of erythrocytes in blood clot formation.
Keywords
Prostaglandin E
2
- erythrocytes - coagulation - fluorescence imaging - patch clamp