The effect of hematoporphyrin and light on human platelets. I. Morphologic, functional, and biochemical changes

The morphologic, functional, and biochemical changes produced by hematoporphyrin and light in human platelets have been characterized. by phase microscopy the cells appeared swollen and resembled signet rings; by electron microscopy they showed considerable loss of cytoplasm and their contour was smoother than normal. irradiated platelets were not aggregable by thrombin and calcium chloride, although they contained clottable protein, and were incapable of supporting clot retraction. a linear relationship was demonstrated between the per cent depletion of serotonin from irradiated platelets and the log dose of hematoporphyrin. the depletion of serotonin from these platelets was related lineraly to the log of time of exposure to light during the initial six minutes of exposure; but thereafter continued at a constant rate. the temperature of incubation influenced directly the rate of depletion of serotonin from irradiated platelets but did not influence the movement of serotonin into these platelets. atp was diminished considerably in irradiated platelets. these changes are attributable to damage to the membrane of the platelet by hematoporphyrin and light. These studies provide additional information about the blood platelet in terms of its response to photodynamic action.