Platelet Function in Hyperlipoproteinemia

Platelet function was studied in 17 patients with Type II hyperlipoproteinemia. As compared with 26 normal subjects, platelets from patients with the Type II syndrome aggregated in response to 1/25 the mean concentration of epinephrine, one third the concentration of collagen, and one third the concentration of ADP. Total nucleotide release was increased from four to six fold with all aggregating agents. However, release of platelet factors 3 and 4, platelet adhesiveness and clot retraction were all normal in patients with Type II hyperlipoproteinemia. In contrast, platelets from 11 patients with Type IV hyperlipoproteinemia showed normal sensitivity to ADP and collagen, normal nucleotide release and normal release of 14C serotonin. The data suggest that heightened platelet function is associated with the thrombotic complications and accelerated atherogenesis of Type II hyperlipoproteinemia. (N Engl J Med 290:434–438, 1974)