The effect of ethanol on some serotonergic mechanisms in rat blood platelets.

Under in vitro conditions ethanol inhibits the uptake and enhances release of [14C]-5HT from rat blood platelets. Similar results were obtained in blood platelets isolated from the blood rats receiving 2 g/kg ethanol. Ethanol decreased also the 5-HT content in the blood platelets. It inhibited the aggregation of blood platelets but did not change the potentiating action of 5-HT on ADP-induced aggregation. The results indicate that ethanol by its action on the transport mechanisms in blood platelets may elevate the level of free 5-HT in the blood plasma, in this manner potentiating the action of the amine in the circulatory system.