Some Effects of Artificial Media upon Glycolysis in Rat Platelets

The effect of artificial media upon glycolysis of rat platelets was studied. Isotonic saline did not support glycolytic activity in platelets because of its acid pH. Although buffering the media to pH 7.4 established platelet glycolysis, the choice of buffer affected the results. Tris buffer or 25 mM phosphate buffer did not alter glucose consumption, lactate production, or adenosine triphosphate (ATP) concentration in platelets from that observed when platelets were incubated in plasma. However, use of 75 mM phosphate buffer produced significant increases in both glucose consumption and lactate production by platelets. A more marked effect was associated with imidazole which not only increased glucose consumption and lactate production but also accelerated the loss of platelet ATP.