Abstract

Cell activation, proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis are tidily regulated by calcium signals. Altered Ca2+ handling has been described in essential hypertension in different cells including platelets. In this review we will particularly focus on members of calcium pump family; the plasma membrane Ca2+ATPases (PMCAs) and the Sarco/ Endoplasmic Reticulum Ca2+ATPases (SERCAs) that are expressed in platelets. We will describe recently identified isoforms present in platelets and the regulation of their expressions along both human and rat essential hypertensions. Moreover, results suggesting that platelet Ca2+ATPase expressions in hypertensive patients can sign an abnormal megakaryocytopoiesis in this pathology will be presented and discussed.

Keywords: PMCA, SERCA, hypertension, megakaryocytopoiesis