Platelet activation by circulating levels of hormones: a possible link in coronary heart disease.

Blood platelets participating in the formation of haemostatic plugs or thrombi are likely to be exposed to combinations of several agonists. We have found that platelet aggregation and the release reaction are enhanced by combinations of the hormones adrenaline, noradrenaline, vasopressin and 5 hydroxytryptamine acting synergistically at levels obtained in circulating blood for three of these hormones. If surges of adrenaline and other hormones sensitize platelets this may provide a link between some of the risk factors and coronary heart disease.