Summary
Diadenosine triphosphate (Ap3A), which is a releasable dinucleotide of human platelets, induces platelet aggregation
when added to heparinized platelet-rich plasma. The concentration dependence of the
dinucleotide is similar to ADP. This finding is fully compatible with our recent report
of the low potency of Ap3A in citrated platelet-rich plasma relative to ADP.
The aggregatory effect of Ap3A in heparinized versus citrated plasma is reflected in the corresponding rates of
Ap3A degradation. In citrated plasma, the hydrolysis of Ap3A is drastically slowed down because the hydrolase needs divalent metal ions. The
results strongly support the assumption that the aggregatory effect of Ap3A is mediated by the enzymatic hydrolysis of Ap3A which generates ADP as the ultimate stimulus.
Keywords
Diadenosine triphosphate - Ap
3A - Platelet aggregation - ADP - Heparin - Citrate