Platelet secretion of beta-amyloid is increased in hypercholesterolaemia

Tissue accumulation of the cytotoxic P-amyloid peptide (AP) occurs in Alzhe imer's disease (AD), one possible source being the platelet. AD and cardiov ascular disease may share some risk factors, including hypercholesterolaemi a which is associated with increased platelet activity. We examined platele t AP release under resting and collagen-stimulated conditions in normochole sterolaemic and hypercholesterolaemic individuals. Resting platelet AP effl ux was greater in hypercholesterolaemics than in normocholesterolaemics. Co llagen-stimulated AP release was concentration-dependent and increased in h ypercholesterolaemics. Resting AP release correlated positively with plasma total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and inver sely with platelet count. These data indicate that abnormal platelet AP rel ease occurs in hypercholesterolaemia. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B;V. All ri ghts reserved.