Using the method of dual-wavelength measurement of platelet [Ca2+]i, and Fura-2 as the Ca2+ fluorophore probe, we measured the effect of acidic Mu-copolysaccharide from Sticopus Japonicus Selenka (SJAMP) on platelet [Ca2+]i. The results showed that the most significant increase in platelets [Ca2+]i was seen when the concentration of SJAMP was 100μg/ml and the elevation of normal platelet [Ca2+]i was 93. 96±10. 24 nmol/L (n = 10). In the presence of extracellular Ca2+(1 mmol/L), the magnitude of platelet [Ca2+]i response to SJAMP was increased and the [Ca2+]i, could reach 116. 72 + 10. 66 nmol/L (n= 10). On the other hand, the magnitude of increased platelet [Ca2+]i; induced by SJAMP was smaller and the duration of [Ca2+]i reaching the highest level was longer when compared with other platelet aggregation agents. In the mean time, if platelets were first incubated with cyclooxygenase inhibitor, the rise of [Ca2+]i evoked by SJAMP was inhibited. The results indicated that the mechanism of the rise of [Ca2+]i induced by SJAMP might be dependent upon the generation of prostaglandin endoperoxides and (or) TXA?.
