Mauler M, Bode C, Duerschmied D
Daniel Duerschmied, MD, Department of Cardiology and Angiology I, Heart Center, University of Freiburg, Hugstetter Str. 55, 79106 Freiburg, Germany, Tel. +49/(0)761/27 03-44 10, Fax -78 55, E-mail:,
Hamostaseologie. 2016;36(1):11-6. doi: 10.5482/HAMO-14-11-0073. Epub 2015 Feb 19.
This short review addresses immune functions of platelet serotonin. Platelets transport serotonin at a high concentration in dense granules and release it upon activation. Besides haemostatic, vasotonic and developmental modulation, serotonin also influences a variety of immune functions (mediated by different serotonin receptors). First, platelet serotonergic effects are directed against invading pathogens via activation and proliferation of lymphocytes, modulation of cytokine release, and recruitment of neutrophils to sites of acute inflammation by induction of selectin expression on endothelial cells. Second, serotonin levels are elevated in autoimmune diseases, such as asthma or rheumatoid arthritis, and during tissue regeneration after ischemia of myocardium or brain. Specific antagonism of serotonin receptors appears to improve survival after myocardial infarction or sepsis and to attenuate asthmatic attacks in animal models. It will be of great clinical relevance if these findings can be translated into human applications. In conclusion, targeting immune modulatory effects of platelet serotonin may provide novel therapeutic options for common health problems.
本简短综述探讨了血小板5-羟色胺的免疫功能。血小板在致密颗粒中以高浓度转运5-羟色胺，并在激活时释放它。除了止血、血管张力调节和发育调节外，5-羟色胺还影响多种免疫功能（由不同的5-羟色胺受体介导）。首先，血小板5-羟色胺能效应通过淋巴细胞的激活和增殖、细胞因子释放的调节以及通过诱导内皮细胞上选择素的表达将中性粒细胞募集到急性炎症部位来对抗入侵病原体。其次，在自身免疫性疾病如哮喘或类风湿性关节炎中以及在心肌或脑缺血后的组织再生过程中，5-羟色胺水平会升高。在动物模型中，5-羟色胺受体的特异性拮抗作用似乎能改善心肌梗死或脓毒症后的存活率，并减轻哮喘发作。如果这些发现能够转化为人类应用，将具有重大的临床意义。总之，针对血小板5-羟色胺的免疫调节作用可能为常见健康问题提供新的治疗选择。
