Apolipoprotein E genotype has no effect on the free intracellular Ca2+ concentration of platelets from Alzheimer's disease patients.

ABSTRACT

The free intracellular Ca2+ concentration [Ca2+]i of platelets was investigated in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients and age-matched control subjects with distinct Apo E genotypes. No significant differences were found between the Apo E genotype and the [Ca2+]i levels of platelets (basal and alpha-thrombin stimulated) from AD patients and age-matched control subjects, suggesting that [Ca2+]i homeostasis of platelets from AD patients is independent of the Apo E genotype. The results are discussed in terms of involvement of Apo E and [Ca2+]i changes in the etiopathogenesis of AD.