Dopamine uptake in platelets: two different low-affinity, saturable mechanisms

Dopamine in human follicular fluid is associated with cellular uptake and metabolism-dependent generation of reactive oxygen species in granulosa cells: implications for physiology and pathology

STUDY QUESTION

Is the neurotransmitter dopamine (DA) in the human ovary involved in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS)?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Human ovarian follicular fluid contains DA, which causes the generation of ROS in cultured human granulosa cells (GCs), and alterations of DA levels in follicular fluid and DA uptake/metabolism in GCs in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are linked to increased levels of ROS.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

DA is an important neurotransmitter in the brain, and the metabolism of DA results in the generation of ROS. DA was detected in human ovarian homogenates, but whether it is present in follicular fluid and plays a role in the follicle is not known.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE AND DURATION

We used human follicular fluid from patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF), GCs from patients with or without PCOS and also employed mathematical modeling to investigate the presence of DA and its effects on ROS.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING AND METHODS

DA in follicular fluid and GCs was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. GC viability, apoptosis and generation of ROS were monitored in GCs upon addition of DA. Inhibitors of DA uptake and metabolism, an antioxidant and DA receptor agonists, were used to study cellular uptake and the mechanism of DA-induced ROS generation. Human GCs were examined for the presence and abundance of transcripts of the DA transporter (DAT; SLC6A3), the DA-metabolizing enzymes monoamine oxidases A/B (MAO-A/B) and catechol-O-methyltransferase and the vesicular monoamine transporter. A computational model was developed to describe and predict DA-induced ROS generation in human GCs.

MAIN RESULTS AND ROLE OF CHANCE

We found DA in follicular fluid of ovulatory follicles of the human ovary and in GCs. DAT and MAO-A/B, which are expressed by GCs, are prerequisites for a DA receptor-independent generation of ROS in GCs. Blockers of DAT and MAO-A/B, as well as an antioxidant, prevented the generation of ROS (P < 0.05). Agonists of DA receptors (D1 and D2) did not induce ROS. DA, in the concentration range found in follicular fluid, did not induce apoptosis of cultured GCs. Computational modeling suggested, however, that ROS levels in GCs depend on the concentrations of DA and on the cellular uptake and metabolism. In PCOS-derived follicular fluid, the levels of DA were higher (P < 0.05) in GCs, the transcript levels of DAT and MAO-A/B in GCs were 2-fold higher (P < 0.05) and the DA-induced ROS levels were found to be more than 4-fold increased (P < 0.05) compared with non-PCOS cells. Furthermore, DA at a high concentration induced apoptosis in PCOS-derived GCs.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

While the results in IVF-derived follicular fluid and in GCs reveal for the first time the presence of DA in the human follicular compartment, functions of DA could only be studied in IVF-derived GCs, which can be viewed as a cellular model for the periovulatory follicular phase. The full functional importance of DA-induced ROS in small follicles and other compartments of the ovary, especially in PCOS samples, remains to be shown.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

The results identify DA as a factor in the human ovary, which, via ROS generation, could play a role in ovarian physiology and pathology. The results obtained in samples from women with PCOS suggest the involvement of DA, acting via ROS, in this condition.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS

This work was supported by a grant from DFG MA1080/17-3 and in part MA1080/19-1. There are no competing interests.

Phorbol esters increase [(3)h]-dopamine uptake by human platelets

Dopamine is taken up by platelets by an energy and temperature dependent process that does not involve a known dopamine receptor. Whilst dopamine uptake by platelets has been shown to be altered in several disease states, little is known about factors controlling dopamine uptake by platelets which could cause such changes. As phorbol esters have been shown to affect dopamine functions in other tissues we examined the effect of phorbol esters on dopamine uptake by human platelets. Phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate increased [(3)H]-dopamine uptake by platelets in a dose dependent manner. Similarly, phorbol 12,13-didecanoate increased [(3)H-dopamine uptake by platelets but 4α phorbol 12,13-didecanoate, which does not affect protein kinase, did not. Staurosporin, a protein kinase inhibitor, reversed the effect of phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate. These data suggest protein kinases can modulate dopamine uptake by platelets.

Decreased expression of Fyn protein and disbalanced alternative splicing patterns in platelets from patients with schizophrenia

Fyn, a Src-family kinase, is highly expressed in brain tissue and blood cells. In the mouse brain, Fyn participates in brain development, synaptic transmission through the phosphorylation of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor subunits, and the regulation of emotional behavior. Recently, we found that Fyn is required for the signal transduction in striatal neurons that is initiated by haloperidol, an antipsychotic drug. To determine whether Fyn abnormalities are present in patients with schizophrenia, we analyzed Fyn expression in platelet samples from 110 patients with schizophrenia, 75 of the patients' first-degree relatives, and 130 control subjects. A Western blot analysis revealed significantly lower levels of Fyn protein among the patients with schizophrenia and their relatives, compared with the level in the control group. At the mRNA level, the splicing patterns of fyn were altered in the patients and their relatives; specifically, the ratio of fynDelta7, in which exon 7 is absent, was elevated. An expression study in HEK293T cells revealed that FynDelta7 had a dominant-negative effect on the phosphorylation of Fyn's substrate. These results suggest novel deficits in Fyn function, manifested as the downregulation of Fyn protein or the altered transcription of the fyn gene, in patients with schizophrenia.

Presence and characterization of the dopamine transporter in human resting lymphocytes

The paucity of information on the presence of the dopamine transporter (DAT) in blood cells, prompted us to explore it in human resting lymphocytes by means of the binding of 3H-WIN 35,428, a compound which is currently considered the most selective ligand for labelling this protein, and by means of the specific reuptake of 3H-dopamine (3H-DA). Lymphocytes were obtained by 15 healthy subjects. The results showed the presence of a specific and saturable binding of 3H-WIN 35,428, which labelled one site only. A specific 3H-DA reuptake was also measured. The pharmacological characterization of both binding and reuptake was overlapping. These findings would indicate that human resting lymphocytes carry the DAT, whose functions in periphery are still unknown.

Characterization of the neuronal dopamine transporter DAT in human blood platelets

Compelling evidence suggests a monoaminergic dysfunction in the aetiology of various neuro-psychiatric diseases such as depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), schizophrenia, addiction and Parkinson's disease. The efficiency of monoaminergic neurotransmission is controlled by rapid and efficient reuptake of dopamine out of the synaptic cleft by specific transporters for dopamine, serotonin and noradrenaline. In case of the serotonin transporter, many investigators have determined its function and expression also on peripheral cells such as blood platelets under the assumption that changes in protein expression in these cells might reflect neuronal changes. No comparable studies have so far been performed with respect to the dopamine transporter due to the lack of information about the existence of this protein in platelets. Here, we present pharmacological, immunological as well as microarray and PCR data that human blood platelets express the dopamine transporter protein (DAT), which is identical to that first identified in neurons. Because DAT expression is modulated also in non-neuronal cells independently of gene transcription, platelets may well serve as an easy accessible peripheral system to study DAT regulation in mental diseases or during drug treatment or drug abuse.

Safety and mechanism of appetite suppression by a novel hydroxycitric acid extract (HCA-SX)

A growing body of evidence demonstrates the efficacy of Garcinia cambogia-derived natural (-)-hydroxycitric acid (HCA) in weight management by curbing appetite and inhibiting body fat biosynthesis. However, the exact mechanism of action of this novel phytopharmaceutical has yet to be fully understood. In a previous study, we showed that in the rat brain cortex a novel HCA extract (HCA-SX, Super CitriMax) increases the release/availability of radiolabeled 5-hydroxytryptamine or serotonin ([3H]-5-HT), a neurotransmitter implicated in the regulation of eating behavior and appetite control. The aim of the present study was 2-fold: (a) to determine the effect of HCA-SX on 5-HT uptake in rat brain cortex in vitro; and (b) to evaluate the safety of HCA-SX in vivo. Isolated rat brain cortex slices were incubated in oxygenated Krebs solution for 20 min and transferred to buffer solutions containing [3H]-5-HT for different time intervals. In some experiments, tissues were exposed to HCA-SX (10 microM - 1 mM) and the serotonin receptor reuptake inhibitors (SRRI) fluoxetine (100 microM) plus clomipramine (10 microM). Uptake of [3H]-5-HT was expressed as d.p.m./mg wet weight. A time-dependent uptake of [3H]-5-HT occurred in cortical slices reaching a maximum at 60 min. HCA-SX, and fluoxetine plus clomipramine inhibited the time-dependent uptake of [3H]-5-HT. At 90 min, HCA-SX (300 microM) caused a 20% decrease, whereas fluoxetine plus clomipramine inhibited [3H]-5-HT uptake by 30%. In safety studies, acute oral toxicity, acute dermal toxicity, primary dermal irritation and primary eye irritation, were conducted in animals using various doses of HCA-SX. Results indicate that the LD50 of HCA-SX is greater than 5,000 mg/kg when administered once orally via gastric intubation to fasted male and female Albino rats. No gross toxicological findings were observed under the experimental conditions. Taken together, these in vivo toxicological studies demonstrate that HCA-SX is a safe, natural supplement under the conditions it was tested. Furthermore, HCA-SX can inhibit [3H]-5-HT uptake (and also increase 5-HT availability) in isolated rat brain cortical slices in a manner similar to that of SRRIs, and thus may prove beneficial in controlling appetite, as well as treatment of depression, insomnia, migraine headaches and other serotonin-deficient conditions.

Dopamine uptake by platelet storage granules in first-degree relatives of Tourette's syndrome patients

BACKGROUND

Considering that platelets have been established to be good peripheral markers for the study of catecholaminergic neurons, we have applied an assay to measure the uptake of (3H)-dopamine (DA) into platelet storage granules (PSG). Recently, we reported that Tourette's syndrome (TS) patients (pts) show decreased DA uptake into PSG.

METHODS

In the present study, 28 first-degree relatives (3 with chronic motor tics, 3 with transient tics, 6 with obsessive-compulsive behavior, and 16 without symptomatology) belonging to the families of 13 patients, and 14 unrelated healthy controls were studied.

RESULTS

Double reciprocal plots were constructed for each subject, and the apparent maximum velocity (Vmax) and Michaelis constant (K(m)) were determined by linear regression analysis (Lineaweaver-Burke plots). The uptake of DA (0.5-5 mumol/L) (mean +/- SEM) by PSG from relatives with symptomatology was similar to the TS patients (symptomatic relatives Vmax 181 +/- 22.2 fmol/mg protein, K(m) (mumol/L) 6.42 +/- 0.29; TS pts Vmax 108 +/- 6.9, K(m) 7.79 +/- 0.64). Relatives without symptomatology on the contrary showed DA affinity characteristics similar to the controls (t test, paired t test, multivariate analysis of variance, and log transformation).

CONCLUSIONS

The data presented suggest that TS is hereditary, but they do not distinguish between an autosomal dominant inheritance and a mixed or polygenic model.

Decreased dopamine uptake into platelet storage granules in Gilles de la Tourette disease

The movement disorder of Gilles de la Tourette (GdlT) disease may reflect hyperactivity of the basal ganglionic dopamine system. Since platelets have been suggested as peripheral models for the study of catecholamine neurons, we developed a method to measure the uptake of [3H]-DA into platelet storage granules (PSG). In the present report, PSG were incubated with [3H] DA, and Vmax and Km values were calculated by linear regression analysis (Lineweaver Burke plot). The uptake of DA (0.5-5 microM) by PSG from 18 GdlT patients was significantly lower (p < .0001) compared to 15 controls (Vmax mean +/- SD, 107.5 +/- 42.5 and 265.3 +/- 66.5 fmole/mg protein resp.). The decrease of DA uptake in GdlT may reflect compensatory presynaptic changes that reduce DA activity.

The development of a method to measure [3H] dopamine uptake by washed platelets provides no evidence for circulating inhibitors of platelet dopamine uptake in schizophrenia

Altered [3H] dopamine uptake by platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been reported in some subjects with schizophrenia (Rotman et al 1980; Dean et al 1990). As platelet dopamine uptake was measured using PRP, it was not possible to determine if the changes in schizophrenia were intrinsic to the platelet or due to plasma factors. Furthermore, the constraints of plasma as a medium for platelet suspension has hindered the study of the physiological requirements of platelet dopamine uptake. A method is now reported that allows platelets to be suspended in a controlled medium while preserving the dopamine uptake mechanism of the platelet. Dopamine uptake by platelets in a controlled medium was dependent on temperature, energy, sodium, and chloride. Furthermore, plasma from subjects with schizophrenia and schizophreniform disorder did not significantly alter [3H] dopamine uptake by platelets compared to the effect of plasma from control subjects. Hence, these data provide no evidence for a circulating inhibitor of platelet [3H] dopamine uptake in plasma from subjects with schizophrenia.

[3H]GBR 12935 binding to human platelet membranes is sensitive to piperazine derivatives but not to dopamine uptake inhibitors

It remains controversial whether blood platelet can be used as a peripheral model for the central presynaptic dopaminergic neurons. We investigated the existence of dopamine transport complex in human blood platelet membranes using the selective dopamine uptake inhibitor [3H]GBR 12935 as a radioligand. In contrast to [3H]GBR 12935 binding to rat striatal dopamine carrier site, the high affinity [3H]GBR 12935 binding to platelet membranes was insensitive to mazindol and other dopamine uptake inhibitors. Piperazine derivatives including GBR 12909 were found to be potent inhibitors of [3H]GBR 12935 binding to platelet membranes. [3H]GBR 12935, piperazine derivative-sensitive binding to platelet membranes was inhibited by increasing sodium concentration. Kinetic experiments revealed that both association and dissociation rates of [3H]GBR 12935 binding were slower to platelet membranes than to striatal membranes. These results indicate that [3H]GBR 12935 binding to platelet membranes is different from the binding of this ligand to the dopamine uptake complex and seems to label a "piperazine acceptor" site which was previously demonstrated in brain and liver membranes.

[3H] dopamine uptake by platelet storage granules in Parkinson's disease

[3H] Dopamine (DA) uptake by platelet storage granules was determined in 10 never-treated patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) (in 6 of them, also after 6 months of levodopa treatment), in 18 long-term levodopa-treated patients and in 15 age-matched normal controls. Maximum velocity (Vmax) of DA uptake was significantly lower in the group of never-treated PD subjects compared to healthy controls (P < 0.001) and also lower compared to the PD long-term treated patients (P < 0.025). The Vmax of PD never-treated changed after submitting the patients to 6 months treatment (P < 0.025) and became similar to the Vmax in the treated group. The apparent Michaelis constant (Km) of DA uptake in PD never-treated was also significantly different from controls (P < 0.005) and also different (but not significantly) from PD "long-term" treated patients. Decreased DA uptake by platelet storage granules in PD may reflect a generalized defect of dopaminergic cells with an impairment in the vesicularization of DA which may contribute to the symptomatology of this motor disease.

Uptake and biodistribution of dopamine in bone marrow, spleen and lymph nodes of normal and tumor bearing mice

Significant labelled dopamine uptake was evident in bone marrow, spleen and lymph nodes of normal murine hosts in vivo. On the contrary animals bearing solid Ehrlich carcinoma, 3H-dopamine uptake was significantly reduced. The tumor tissue itself incorporated only insignificant amount of dopamine. Bone marrow cells, splenocytes and lymphocytes from lymph nodes showed specific uptake of this monoamine. At present the peripheral role of dopamine in the regulation of heart and kidney functions are well documented and utilized clinically for treatment of congestive heart and renal failure. The present result of specific dopamine uptake by bone marrow, spleen and lymph nodes and alterations following tumor growth where hematopoesis and immune functions are disrupted, strengthens our previous idea that dopamine might also influence the functions of these peripheral organs. Knowledge of this possible effect of DA on these peripheral organs may be of future clinical significance in the management of hematological and immune abnormalities.

[3H]dopamine uptake by platelet storage granules in schizophrenia

[3H]Dopamine (DA) uptake by platelet storage granules was determined in 26 schizophrenic male patients, paranoid type (14 acute stage; 12 in remission) and 20 age-matched, normal controls. Maximum velocity (Vmax) of DA uptake was significantly higher in acute patients, than patients in remission or controls (p less than 0.05). The apparent Michaelis constant (Km) of DA uptake in acute patients was also significantly different from chronic patients (p less than 0.05). Preincubation with reserpine (10(-4), 10(-5) M) produced a substantial diminution of DA uptake, while haloperidol (10(-4), 10(-5) M) did not affect the assay. Considering that a DA dysequilibrium in schizophrenia may be expressed not only in the brain, but also in the periphery and that an increased amount of DA accumulated in the vesicles, implies that an increased quantity of catecholamine is available for release, our findings suggest additional evidence for the role of DA overactivity in the pathophysiology of this disorder.

Validation of a method to measure the uptake of [3H]dopamine by human platelets

We have assessed the validity of using platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to measure dopamine uptake by platelets. In addition, we report on a pilot study comparing [3H]dopamine uptake by PRP from psychotic patients to that by PRP from healthy volunteers. Uptake of radiolabelled dopamine by PRP was related to the concentration of [3H]dopamine added and correlated with platelet number. [3H]dopamine uptake by PRP was not altered by varying pH (6.8 to 8.0) or by the time PRP was incubated prior to the addition of the radiolabelled dopamine. 11.7 +/- 0.34% (mean +/- SEM) of [3H]dopamine added to plasma was precipitated by polyethylene glycol (PEG) and appeared to be associated with a large molecular mass component of plasma. The amount of PEG precipitable [3H]dopamine did not correlate with dopamine uptake (r = 0.02) or differ between patients and controls. Uptake of [3H]dopamine by PRP from 52 volunteers (26 M, 26 F; age, 18-75 yr), expressed as the area under the dopamine uptake curve up to 60 min in arbitrary units, ranged from 72-285 for males and 59-455 for females. Comparing [3H]dopamine uptake by PRP from 15 psychotic patients to these sex-specific reference ranges 9 of 13 PRP from schizophrenic patients had [3H]dopamine uptake outside the normative values whereas the two non-schizophrenic patients did not differ from normal. Dopamine uptake by PRP may be useful in the study of diseases with altered dopaminergic activity in the CNS.

Dopamine uptake by the human platelet: effects of dopamine receptor agonists

The uptake of dopamine by human platelets has been shown to be temperature- and energy-dependent and not to occur as a result of dopamine binding to and then being internalised with the dopamine D-1 or D-2 receptor. However, occupancy of these receptors could affect dopamine uptake by platelets through their second messenger systems. We have therefore studied the effect of dopamine receptor agonists, which stimulate receptor second messenger systems, on dopamine uptake by platelets. Uptake of [3H]dopamine by human platelets was not affected by the dopamine D-1 receptor agonist SKF 38393 or the dopamine D-2 receptor agonists, quinpirole and bromocriptine. In contrast, the uptake of [3H]dopamine was decreased by the mixed dopamine receptor agonists dopamine and 2-amino-6,7-dihydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene (ADTN). Furthermore, [3H]ADTN, like [3H]dopamine, was taken up by platelets. In conclusion ADTN, a compound structurally similar to dopamine appears to complete for the dopamine uptake system on the human platelet. Thus, our data further support the hypothesis that a selective dopamine uptake system is present on the human platelet and that this system is not influenced by the dopamine D-1 or D-2 receptor.

Dopamine uptake by platelets is selective, temperature dependent and not influenced by the dopamine-D1 or dopamine-D2 receptor

The human platelet, which takes up and releases dopamine, has been proposed as a peripheral model for the study of dopaminergic neurons in the central nervous system (CNS). In addition, the platelet has been shown to possess membrane components with pharmacological properties similar to the dopamine-D1 (DA-D1) and D2 (DA-D2) receptor on dopaminergic neurons. We have therefore studied the specificity of the platelet uptake system for dopamine and, as dopamine uptake comprises both internalised and membrane bound dopamine, the contribution of the DA-D1 and DA-D2 receptor to the uptake of dopamine has been assessed. Significant uptake of 3H-dopamine by platelet rich plasma (PRP) occurred after 10 min incubation at 37 degrees C, uptake being maximal after 90 min. In contrast, at 4 degrees C no uptake of 3H-dopamine occurred up to 60 mins incubation but at 20 degrees C was approximately 8% of the 60 min uptake at 37 degrees C. The neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine inhibited dopamine uptake by platelets in a dose dependent manner. Uptake of dopamine appeared to be via two systems, one of high affinity with low capacity and the other of lower affinity but high capacity. In contrast, noradrenaline, adrenaline, acetylcholine, gamma-aminobutyric acid and histamine (10 microM) had no effect on dopamine uptake by platelets. The DA-D1 receptor antagonist SCH 23390 (10 microns) and the DA-D2 receptor antagonists (10 microM) spiperone, domperidone and (+)-butaclamol did not significantly affect dopamine uptake by platelets. In addition, ouabain and desipramine (100 microM) inhibited dopamine uptake by 21% and 24% respectively whilst reserpine and imipramine (100 microM) increased uptake by 14% and 15%. We therefore conclude that platelets take up dopamine via a selective, temperature dependent mechanism. Our data also suggest that dopamine uptake by platelets does not involve the DA-D1 or DA-D2 receptor.

Platelets as a model for neurones?

The multiple biochemical and pharmacological similarities existing between blood platelets and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)-containing neurones of the CNS point to the platelets as a reliable model for the biochemical characterization of 5-HT releasers and uptake blockers which interfere with the storage and the active carrier mechanism of 5-HT in the neurones, respectively. In addition, the affinity displayed by dopamine and by dopaminergic neurotoxin MPP+ for the platelet 5-HT transport and storage indicates also some similarities between platelets and the dopaminergic system of the CNS. Since human platelets contain almost exclusively monoamine oxidase type B (MAO-B), they can be used as a source for the purification and characterization of this human enzyme. Human platelets thus offer an excellent peripheral model to indirectly assess the degree and duration of MAO-B inhibition occurring in the CNS. To date, knowledge of the many biochemical mechanisms underlying platelet physiology is still fragmentary. In fact, the functional role of binding sites located on the platelet cytoplasmic membrane, i.e. their coupling to a specific transmembrane signalling mechanism, is still in need of a precise biochemical and physiological characterization.

Platelets and biogenic amines. 2. Indications for a discrete low affinity uptake mechanism shared by norepinephrine and 5-hydroxytryptamine in human platelets

The uptake of norepinephrine (NE) by human platelets at 10(-9)-5 X 10(-4) M of labelled amine concentration was investigated. At physiological concentrations of NE the uptake was unsaturable and could not be inhibited by imipramine or ouabain. At NE concentrations between 25 and 485 microM the uptake also comprised a saturable component that could be completely blocked by imipramine and partly by ouabain. The saturable uptake of NE had an apparent Km of 273 +/- 50 microM and a Vmax of 0.19 +/- 0.05 pmole/10(6) platelets/min. The affinity of NE (IC50) for the 5-HT transporting carrier was 2.3 mM, 8.4 times higher than the apparent Km for saturable NE uptake. The affinity of 5-HT (IC50) for the NE-transporting carrier was 5.8 microM, 5.8 times higher than the apparent Km for saturable 5-HT transport. Imipramine and norzimeldin were equipotent inhibitors of saturable NE uptake, the potency being of the same degree as that for saturable 5-HT uptake. The tertiary amine amitriptyline was 6 times more effective in inhibiting saturable NE uptake than its demethylated product nortriptyline. Nortriptyline and its hydroxylated E- and Z-isomers had a stronger inhibitory effect on saturable NE uptake than on uptake of 5-HT. The results suggest that human platelets possess two separate amine-transporting carriers, both having their highest affinity for 5-HT. The one with the lowest affinity for 5-HT can also accept NE as a substrate. The human platelet does not possess a high-affinity uptake system for NE comparable to that in adrenergic tissue.

Platelets and biogenic amines. 1. Platelets are poor investigative models for dopamine re-uptake

The uptake of 14C-dopamine (DA) by human platelets at 10(-7) -2.5 X 10(-4) M of labelled amine concentration was studied in human platelet-rich plasma. The total uptake could be resolved into two components, one of which was saturable and completely inhibited by 10(-5) imipramine and another which was unsaturable but temperature-dependent. The saturable uptake of DA had an apparent Km of 75 X 10(-6) M and Vmax of 1.34 pmol/10(6) platelets/min. The uptake of unsaturable DA was 1.33 pmol/10(6) platelets/min at 10(-4) M DA. Dopamine exerted a mixed non-competitive inhibition of the saturable 5-HT transport and vice versa. Thus the increase in Km was paralleled by a decrease in Vmax. The low-affinity transport of DA by the human platelets does not share any of the dopamine uptake characteristics found in neuronal tissue. The platelet therefore seems to be a poor model for the presynaptic function of the dopamine neurons.