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H R Roberts

Publications and source records attributed to H R Roberts.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

Platelet procoagulant complex assembly in a tissue factor-initiated system.

The aim of this study was to examine the assembly of the factor IXa/VIIIa (Xase) and factor Xa/Va (IIase) complexes on the platelet surface in a system designed to mimic tissue factor-initiated coagulation. The experimental system contained tissue factor-bearing monocytes, unactivated platelets, and plasma concentrations of factors V, VIII, IX, X, prothrombin, tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI), antithrombin III (ATIII), and small amounts of factor VIIa. The time courses of platelet activation, coagulation factor binding and thrombin generation were compared. In this system, thrombin generation by the combination of monocytes and platelets was synergistic compared to each cell type alone. Platelet activation and thrombin generation were minimal in the absence of prothrombin or factor X. After a lag period, platelet activation began, followed by progressive binding of factors Va and VIIIa. This was followed by factor IXa and Xa binding and the onset of thrombin generation. Unexpectedly, a transient early increase in platelet-associated factor IX and X was also seen, that was due to release from platelets. The amount of factor IX bound to isolated activated platelets was increased by addition of factor VIIIa, or by activation of factor IX to IXa. In contrast, factor VIIIa binding was not altered by the presence of factor IX or IXa. We conclude that in a tissue factor-initiated system, assembly of the procoagulant complexes on the platelet surface begins after platelet activation occurs. Platelet activation requires thrombin generation in the vicinity of the tissue factor bearing cells. The cofactors Va and VIIIa bind to the platelets and facilitate subsequent binding of factors IXa and Xa to form functional procoagulant complexes.

Blood Coagulation Factors↗

Platelet activation in patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare syndrome of unknown etiology. It is characterized by platelet microthrombi in small vessels, which results in tissue dysfunction and a microangiopathic hemolytic anemia. Activation of coagulation is not a prominent feature of TTP. It is not known whether the process which results in platelet aggregate formation might also activate platelets. Using GMP-140 as a marker of activation, we examined the activation state of circulating platelets in seven TTP patients and three normal controls, as well as the ability of purified platelets from three TTP patients and three controls to be activated in vitro. There was no statistically significant difference in the percentage of activated platelets circulating in patients and controls (4% vs. 2%). Both TTP and control platelets increased GMP-140 expression and procoagulant activity after stimulation with thrombin or the calcium ionophore A23187. Thus, we conclude that TTP patients do not have a significantly increased proportion of circulating activated platelets, and their platelets can be activated normally by thrombin or a calcium ionophore.

Blood Coagulation↗

Comparison of the behavior of normal factor IX and the factor IX Bm variant Hilo in the prothrombin time test using tissue factors from bovine, human, and rabbit sources.

A subset of hemophilia B patients have a prolonged bovine-brain prothrombin time. These CRM+ patients are classified as having hemophilia Bm. The prolongation of the prothrombin time has been reported only with bovine brain (referred to as ox brain in some literature) as the source of thromboplastin; prothrombin times determined with thromboplastin from rabbit brain or human brain are not reported to be prolonged. Factor IX from a hemophilia Bm patient (factor IX Hilo) was isolated. The activity of factor IX Hilo was compared to that of normal factor IX in prothrombin time assays when the thromboplastin source was of bovine, rabbit, or human origin. Factor IX, either normal or Hilo, prolonged a prothrombin time regardless of the tissue factor source. However, unless thromboplastin was from a bovine source, this prolongation required high concentrations of factor IX. Further, factor IX normal was as effective as factor IX Hilo in prolonging the prothrombin time when rabbit or human thromboplastin was used. With bovine thromboplastin, factor IX Hilo was significantly better than factor IX normal at prolonging the prothrombin time. The amount of prolongation was dependent on the amount of factor IX Hilo added. In addition, the prolongation was dependent on the concentration of factor X present in the sample. The prothrombin time changed as much as 20 seconds when the factor X concentration was varied from 50% to 150% to normal (fixed concentration of factor IX Hilo). These results demonstrate the difficulty of classifying the severity of a hemophilia Bm patient based on the bovine brain prothrombin time unless both the factor IX and factor X concentrations are known.

Animals↗

Safety and initial clinical efficacy of three dose levels of recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa): results of a phase I study.

The safety and efficacy of recombinant DNA-produced factor VIIa (rFVIIa) was investigated in 15 haemophilic patients in non-bleeding states and during bleeding episodes (mild to moderate joint bleed). Patients with severe haemophilia A without inhibitors (n = 4), haemophilia A with inhibitors (n = 10), and haemophilia B with inhibitor (n = 1) received one or more doses of rFVIIa during 32 non-bleeding study episodes and 23 bleeding episodes. The study was an open, uncontrolled, dose-escalation (17.5 micrograms/kg, 35 micrograms/kg, 70 micrograms/kg) trial. Physical evaluation, laboratory assessment, and immunology testing were conducted at baseline, monthly for 3 months and every 3 months thereafter. The immediate safety of rFVIIa was assessed by monitoring of D-dimer, fibrinogen, platelet count, antithrombin III, thrombin-antithrombin complex, and alpha 2-antiplasmin 5 min before and at multiple times throughout the following 24 h. Prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) values were also obtained. Pain, swelling, joint circumference, and range of motion were recorded before administration of the initial dose of rFVIIa in bleeding patients and at 6, 12, and 24 h. Haemostatic response to rFVIIa was observed in patients with severe VIII and IX deficiency with and without inhibitors. Therapy with rFVIIa was judged effective in 19 of the 22 evaluable bleeding episodes at one or more time points. The 35 micrograms/kg and 70 micrograms/kg doses were associated with higher response rates at 6 and 12 h compared to the 17.5 micrograms/kg dose level. A second dose of rFVIIa was administered in 20 of the 22 bleeding episodes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗

Current management of hemophilia B.

The management of hemorrhagic episodes in patients with hemophilia B is in transition as a result of the availability of new products for replacement therapy. Although the basic principles of therapy have not changed, the new highly purified Factor IX concentrates, AlphaNine and Mononine, represent a break-through, as they appear to be safe in terms of viral transmission and thromboembolic side-effects. These products are now widely available, and although expensive, are regarded by some physicians as the preferred therapy for Hemophilia B. Less pure and less expensive Factor IX products, however, are also available and can be used safely in previously treated patients who have already been exposed to the hepatitis viruses.

Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation↗

Coagulation factor IXa binding to activated platelets and platelet-derived microparticles: a flow cytometric study.

Factor IX plays a central role in blood coagulation, since it can be activated by either XIa (intrinsic pathway) or tissue factor-VIIa (extrinsic pathway). Activated factor IX (IXa), in a surface-bound complex with factor VIIIa, then activates factor X. Platelets provide the catalytic surface upon which this Xase complex is assembled in vivo. We have used flow cytometry to examine binding of factor IXa to thrombin-activated platelets in the absence of added VIIIa. Platelet-bound IXa and platelet protein GPIb were detected by indirect immunofluorescence staining followed by two-color flow cytometric analysis. Microparticles were identified by their light scattering characteristics. Two binding sites for factor IXa were detected. The high affinity binding site saturated at about 10 nM, with a Kd of 1.6 nM. A second binding curve, with a Kd of about 100 nM, was observed at higher concentrations of IXa. The high affinity factor IXa binding sites comprise about 7% of the total factor IXa binding. Binding to both sites was dependent on the presence of calcium. Thus, we conclude that factor IXa, in addition to its high affinity binding, has a calcium-dependent low affinity association with activated platelets and microparticles. Sims et al, have shown that binding sites for a different coagulation factor, factor Va, are concentrated on microparticles relative to platelet membrane proteins, such as GPIb. GPIb is distributed on platelets and microparticle in proportion to plasma membrane surface.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Blood Platelets↗

The endothelial cell binding determinant of human factor IX resides in the gamma-carboxyglutamic acid domain.

The blood coagulation factor IX(a) binds specifically to a site on endothelial cells with a Kd of 2.0-3.0 nM. A number of previous studies have attempted to define the region(s) of factor IX(a) that mediate this interaction. These studies suggested that there are two regions of factor IX(a), the gamma-carboxyglutamic acid (Gla) domain and the epidermal growth factor like (EGF-like) domains, that mediate high-affinity binding to endothelial cells. Recently, however, the participation of the EGF1 domain has been excluded from the interaction. This indicated that if there was an EGF component of factor IX contributing to the binding affinity, then it must be in the second EGF-like domain. In order to further evaluate this relationship, we performed competitive binding experiments between 125I plasma factor IX and a set of six chimeric proteins composed of portions of factor VII and factor IX. Our data suggest that the high-affinity interaction between factor IX and the endothelial cell binding site is mediated by the factor IX Gla domain and that the factor IX EGF domains are not involved in binding specificity.

1-Carboxyglutamic Acid↗

New perspectives on the coagulation cascade.

The view that clotting is basically a succession of zymogen activations remains valid but is in need of some modifications, in part because the intrinsic and extrinsic coagulation pathways are more closely interrelated than had been thought. The new knowledge is beginning to influence treatment of the hereditary bleeding disorders--and to point the way toward genetic cures.

Blood Coagulation↗

Role of gamma-carboxyglutamic acid residues in the binding of factor IXa to platelets and in factor-X activation.

To study the requirements for factor-IXa binding to platelets and factor-X activation, we examined the consequences of chemical modification (factor IXMOD) or enzymatic removal (factor IXDES) of gamma-carboxyglutamic acid (Gla) residues. In the presence of factor VIIIa and factor X, there were 344 (+/- 52) binding sites/platelet for factor IXaMOD (apparent dissociation constant [kdapp] = 4.5 +/- 0.9 nmol/L) and 275 (+/- 35) sites/platelet for factor IXaDES (kdapp = 5.0 +/- 0.8 nmol/L) compared with 580 (+/-65) sites/platelet for normal factor IXa (factor IXaN) (kdapp = 0.61 +/- 0.1 nmol/L) and 300 (+/-62) sites/platelet for factor IX (kdapp = 2.9 +/- 0.29 nmol/L). The concentrations of factor IXaN, factor IXaMOD and factor IXaDES required for half-maximal rates of factor-Xa formation were 0.67 nmol/L, 3.5 nmol/L, and 6.7 nmol/L. Whereas maximal velocities (Vmax) of factor Xa formation by factor IXaMOD (approximately 0.8 nmol/L.min-1) and factor IXaN (approximately 10.5 nmol/L.min-1), turnover numbers (kcat expressed as moles of factor Xa formed per minute per mole of factor IXa bound), and values of catalytic efficiency (kcat/Km) were normal, indicating that the decreased rates of factor X activation observed with factor IXaMOD and factor IXaDES are solely a consequence of the abnormal binding of these proteins to thrombin-activated platelets in the presence of factor VIIIa and factor X. Thus, factor IXa binding to platelets is mediated in part, but not exclusively, by high-affinity Ca2+ binding sites in the Gla domain of factor IX.

1-Carboxyglutamic Acid↗

A rapid method to isolate platelets from human blood by density gradient centrifugation.

Platelets can be damaged easily or activated during isolation, making them unsuitable for functional studies. The most common technique for isolating platelets involves centrifugation. Although gentler methods have been devised to isolate platelets by density gradient centrifugation or electrophoresis, these techniques either result in a relatively dilute platelet preparation or are time-consuming. A simple, gentle technique for isolating concentrated platelet preparations for experimental or clinical use is reported. Freshly drawn whole blood was spun over a commercially available density gradient medium for 30 minutes. The mononuclear cell layer (which also contains most of the platelets) was collected and nucleated cells were pelleted by centrifugation. The recovery of platelets was about 60%. Contamination with leukocytes was less than 1%, and the platelet concentration was about 130% of blood concentration. Higher concentrations can be obtained if more whole blood is layered onto the Mono-Poly Resolving Medium (MPRM; Flow Laboratories, McLean, VA). About 10% of the platelets expressed the activation marker GMP-140 by flow cytometric analysis. They could be activated by thrombin so that 70% to 90% of the platelets expressed GMP-140. Thus, this technique can rapidly and easily yield a functionally intact platelet preparation. This preparation can be purified again if needed. No specialized skills or equipment are needed. A significant advantage of the method is that platelets can be obtained from thrombocytopenic patients in final concentrations that are high enough to use for platelet function testing.

Blood Platelets↗

The role of the epidermal growth factor-1 and hydrophobic stack domains of human factor IX in binding to endothelial cells.

To determine the function and specificity in factor IX of the first epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like domain and the eight-amino acid hydrophobic stack encoded by exon C (residues 39-46), these domains were replaced by the corresponding polypeptide regions of factor X and chimeric proteins were produced in human embryo kidney cells. Both chimeras were activated by factor XIa at a rate similar to plasma factor IX and exhibited calcium-dependent fluorescence quenching similar to plasma factor IX. Both chimeras competed equally for binding to the endothelial cell receptor. Our findings make it unlikely that the first EGF-like domain or the hydrophobic stack of factor IX are responsible for the specific binding of factor IX to its endothelial cell receptor.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Comparative platelet binding and kinetic studies with normal and variant factor IXa molecules.

We have recently shown that thrombin-stimulated human platelets have specific, saturable receptors for factor IXa, occupancy of which promotes factor X activation (Ahmad, S. S., Rawala-Sheikh, R., and Walsh, P. N. (1989) J. Biol. Chem. 264: 3244-3251, 20012-20016; Rawala-Sheikh, R., Ahmad, S. S., and Walsh, P. N. (1990) Biochemistry 29, 2606-2611). To study the structural requirements for factor IXa binding to platelets, equilibrium binding studies and kinetic studies of factor X activation were carried out with normal factor IXa and with two variant proteins: factor IXaAlabama (FIXaAL; Asp47----Gly substitution) and factor IXaChapel Hill (FIXaCH; Arg145----His substitution). In the absence of factors VIIIa and X, there were 331 binding sites/platelet for FIXaCH (Kdapp = 2.8 nM), and 540 sites/platelet for FIXaAL (Kdapp = 3.2 nM), compared with 540 sites/platelet (Kdapp = 2.3 nM) for normal factor IXa. The addition of factors VIIIa and X, both at saturating concentrations, had no effect on the number of binding sites for either normal or variant factor IXa, resulted in a decrease in the Kd for normal factor IXa to 0.67 nM, resulted in a suboptimal decrease in Kd for FIXaAL (1.4 nM), and had no effect on the Kd for FIXaCH. Kinetic studies of factor X activation at variable factor IXa concentration confirmed these values of Kd in the presence of factors VIIIa and X. Determination of rates of factor X activation at variable substrate concentrations yielded normal values of catalytic efficiency (kcat/Km) for the variant proteins, thereby indicating that the abnormally low rates of factor X activation obtained were a consequence of the low affinity binding of FIXaAL and FIXaCH to thrombin-activated platelets in the presence of factors VIIIa and X. These studies suggest that the presence of Asp47 and the cleavage of factor IX at Arg145-Ala146 are important structural features required for specific, high affinity factor IXa binding to platelets in the presence of factors VIIIa and X.

Blood Platelets↗

Molecular defect (Gla+14----Lys) and its functional consequences in a hereditary factor X deficiency (factor X "Vorarlberg").

Factor X (FX) "Vorarlberg" is a congenital FX deficiency characterized clinically by a mild bleeding tendency. Homozygous individuals have a FX activity of less than 10% in the extrinsic system and 25% in the intrinsic system. FX antigen is 20%. Using molecular techniques, two point mutations were detected in the coding sequence of the FX Vorarlberg gene: a G----A at base pair 160 in exon II resulting in a change of Gla14 (GAA) to Lys (AAA); a G----A at base pair 424 in exon V resulting in a change from Glu102 (GAG) to Lys (AAG). The mutations abolished a TaqI restriction site in exon II and an MnlI site in exon V. To determine whether these mutations are present on one or on both alleles, restriction analyses of amplified exon II and exon V fragments were performed. Analysis of the pedigree showed that the genotype for the mutation on exon II (homozygous versus heterozygous) correlates with the severity of the phenotypic coagulation defect. We therefore conclude that the mutation in exon II is responsible for the functional defect in FX Vorarlberg. We have also purified the mutant FX protein from patient plasma. Purified FX Vorarlberg is indistinguishable from normal FX on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Its activity is 15% of normal FX upon activation with factor VIIa/tissue factor, 75% upon activation with factor IXa/factor VIIIa, and 100% upon activation with RVV. Activation at varying Ca2+ concentrations shows that the affinity of FX Vorarlberg for Ca2+ is decreased. Factor Xa Vorarlberg is able to convert prothrombin at a normal rate but also shows decreased affinity for Ca2+ in this interaction. Upon addition of Ca2+, FX Vorarlberg does not undergo the same conformational change as normal FX. Our data show that FX Vorarlberg has a decreased affinity for Ca2+ which impedes a normal conformational change. This leads to a decreased rate of activation by factor VIIa/tissue factor and by factor IXa. The decrease is much more marked for the extrinsic than for the intrinsic pathway.

Amino Acid Sequence↗