Carbon Nanotubes Activate Blood Platelets by Inducing Extracellular Ca(2+) Influx Sensitive to Calcium Entry Inhibitors

Abstract

To elucidate a mechanism of prothrombotic effects of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), we report here that multiwalled CNTs activate blood platelets by inducing extracellular Ca2+ influx that could be inhibited by calcium channel blockers; SKF 96365 and 2-APB. We also demonstrate platelet aggregating activity of different single-walled and multiwalled CNTs.

In addition, we show that CNT-induced platelet activation is associated with a marked release of platelet membrane microparticles positive for the granular secretion markers CD62P and CD63.

Keywords

• Cell-Membrane Microparticles
• Toxicity
• Nanoparticles
• Nanomaterials
• Aggregation
• Mechanism
• Penetration
• Particles
• Channels
• Release