The Effects of Eprosartan on Cytoplasmic Free Calcium Mobilisation, Platelet Activation and Microparticle Formation in Hypertension. Could they be Relevant to Stroke Prevention?

The study examined a number of parameters of platelet function and activation in hypertensive patients compared with normotensive patients. It also examined the effects of the angiotensin receptor blocker eprosartan on these parameters. There were 30 patients with stage 1 or stage 2 hypertension plus 31 well-matched controls in this study. Phosphatidylserine, a measure of circulating activated platelets, was expressed more in hypertensive patients than in controls. Eprosartan partially corrected the enhanced platelet reactivity.There were greater numbers of activated platelet microparticles in hypertensive patients compared to controls. Again, eprosartan reduced this hyperproduction. Calcium kinetics of platelets were measured with flow cytometry using fluorescent markers.The free calcium concentration and its rise in response to thrombin were greater in hypertensive patients. Eprosartan significantly changed these parameters towards control values and reduced platelet activation. PATIENTS: Thus, eprosartan has the potential to reduce the risk of atherosclerotic events in hypertensive patients.