Figure 1. Schematic illustration of NHE1 in platelet activation.

Hemostasis involving platelets can be divided into four phases: adhesion, activation, secretion, and aggregation. NHE1 is important in the regulation of H⁺ and Na⁺ homeostasis in platelets. In addition to receptor-mediated signaling cascade (glycoprotein IIa, IIb, etc), coordinated function of NHE1 and Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchange leads to increased Na⁺ and Ca²⁺ levels and platelet-leukocyte aggregation. Cariporide, an NHE1 inhibitor, has inhibitory effects on the degranulation of human platelets and the formation of platelet-leukocyte aggregates.