Abstract
Blood levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and epinephrine are increased in conditions such as severe hypoxia, and hypovolemic or septic shock. The effect of these agents, which influence the blood coagulation system, were studied in vitro on platelets from newborns. 5-HT was determined in platelets from 18 newborns and 28 adults. The 5-HT content was 0.305±0.144 μg/109 platelets in newborns and 0.675±0.212 μg/109 platelets in the adult controls, a difference which is statistically significant (P<0.001). The 5-HT content of newborn platelets proved to be higher than that reported in the literature. Further studies on platelet aggregation due to 5-HT and epinephrine were then carried out. These demonstrated first-phase aggregation in 40% of cases when both 5-HT and epinephrine were applied simultaneously, while in the majority of the newborns no reaction was encountered when each of these substances was applied separately. However, in 2 cases, simultaneous application of 5-HT and epinephrine produced both first- and second-phase platelet aggregation. The reduced response of the platelets in the newborn to these aggregating agents can be considered as a protection against disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), particularly in high-risk situations.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Alebouyeh, M., Unterharnscheidt, W., Riegel, K.: The activity of platelet factor 4 in plasma of healthy and high risk newborns. Z. Kinderheilk 116, 116–142 (1974)
Baumgartner, H. R., Born, G. V. R.: Effect of 5-Hydroxytryptamine on platelet aggregation. Nature 218, 137–141 (1968)
Corby, D. G., Schulman, I.: The effects of antenatal drug administration on aggregation of platelets of newborn infants. J. Pediat. 79, 307–313 (1971)
Crosti, P. E., Lucchelli, P. E.: An easy method to determine the serotonin content of human platelets. J. Clin. Path. 15, 191–193 (1962)
Davis, R. B., Baily, W. L., Hanson, N. P.: Modification of serotonin and histamin release after E. coli endotoxin administration. Amer. J. Physiology 205, 560–566 (1963)
Hathaway, W. E.: The bleeding newborn. Seminars in hematology 12, 175–186 (1975)
Hrodek, O.: Blood platelets in the newborn: Their function in hemostasis and hemocoagulation. Acta Univ. Carolinae, Monogr. 22 (1966)
Künzer, W.: Die Blutgerinnung bei Neugeborenen und ihre Störungen. Klin. Wschr. 1, 1–13 (1971)
Mitchel, R. G., Cass, R.: Histamine and 5-Hydroxytryptamine in the blood of infants and children. J. Clin. Invest. 38, 595–604 (1959)
Mull, M. M., Hathaway, W. E.: Altered platelet function in newborns. Ped. Res. 4, 229–237 (1970)
Swank, R. L., Hissen, W., Felman, J. H.: 5-Hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) in acute hypotensive shock. Amer. J. Physiology 207, 215–222 (1964)
Ts'ao C. H., Green, D., Schultz, K.: Function and ultrastructure of platelets of neonates: Enhanced ristocetin aggregation of neonatal platelets. Brit. J. Haematol. 32, 225–233 (1976)
Whaun, J. M.: The platelet of the newborn infant: 5-Hydroxytryptamine uptake and release. Thrombos. Diathes. Haemorrh. 30, 327–333 (1973)
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Alebouyeh, M., Lusher, J.M., Ameri, M.R. et al. The effect of 5-hydroxytryptamine and epinephrine on newborn platelets. Eur J Pediatr 128, 163–168 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00444301
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00444301