Subcellular localization of vasopressin-like material in platelets.

It has recently been reported that 90% of circulating vasopressin in humans appears to be in platelets. We have confirmed these results and studied the subcellular localization and secretion of vasopressin from human platelets. Sucrose density gradient analysis showed highest relative specific activity for vasopressin in the membrane fractions. Stirring of platelet-rich plasma with a number of different platelet-aggregating agents including epinephrine, norepinephrine, arachidonic acid, collagen, adenosine diphosphate, A23187, and platelet-activating factor failed to release significant amounts of immunoreactive vasopressin, despite the expected aggregation and secretion of platelet factor 4 by these agents. Thus vasopressin appears to be primarily a platelet membrane component and is not secreted in the usual way by agents modulating platelet function.