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S Niewiarowski

Publications and source records attributed to S Niewiarowski.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1994

Evaluation of recombinant platelet factor 4 and protamine sulfate for heparin neutralization: clotting and clearance studies in rat.

Recombinant platelet factor 4 (rPF4) efficiently neutralized heparin anticoagulant activity in rats without the adverse effect of protamine sulfate (PS) (Circulation 1992; 85: 1102). This study confirmed that rPF4 and PS neutralized heparin in rats. In vitro addition of excess PS but not rPF4 to plasma prolonged the activated partial thromboplastin time. Injection of rPF4 or PS 2 min following injection of 3H-heparin augmented loss of radioactivity from the circulation over the first 2 min but did not affect the half life of 3H-heparin for the next 58 min. PS was coupled to 4-(p-Azidosalicylamido)butylamine (ASBA), radioiodinated and purified by means of heparin-agarose chromatography. Heparin prevented the rapid loss of 125I-rPF4 from the circulation within the first 2 min but modestly increased loss of radioiodinated derivatized PS. Heparin extended the half-life of derivatized radioiodinated PS (measured between 2 and 60 min after injection) while modestly shortening that of 125I-rPF4. Both radioiodinated heparin binding proteins accumulated predominantly in liver and kidney. A greater percentage of radioactivity was found in these organs with rPF4 than with PS but more PS was found in urine. A larger percentage of radioiodinated derivatized PS than 125I-rPF4 was undetected. These results indicate that rPF4 and PS affect the kinetics of heparin clearance similarly but that organ deposition of the two agents may differ and offer an explanation of different physiological effects seen previously.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Zinc ions potentiate adenosine diphosphate-induced platelet aggregation by activation of protein kinase C.

Zinc deficiency has been linked to a bleeding tendency and impaired wound healing in several disease states. A number of investigators have suggested that zinc ions play a role in platelet aggregation in vitro as well as in in vivo studies. The purpose of the present study was to explore the mechanism by which adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and Zn2+ may act cooperatively during activation of blood platelets. We demonstrate that Zn2+ alone does not affect either formation of thromboxane A2 or intracellular calcium mobilization in platelets. On the other hand, we show that ADP and Zn2+ exert a cooperative effect on the phosphorylation of P-47 protein (pleckstrin), a substrate of protein kinase C in platelets. The inhibitory effect of this reaction by the compound Ro31, a specific inhibitor of the regulatory domain of protein kinase C, was compatible with our contention that Zn2+ may act directly on protein kinase C. Our study provides evidence that zinc ions present in plasma or platelets may modulate ADP-induced platelet aggregation. N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine (TPEN), a zinc chelator, blocked ADP-induced platelet aggregation. This aggregation was restored by 10 mumol/L of Zn2+ but not by other ions. Also, a Zn2+ ionophore, pyrithione, potentiated the ADP-induced platelet aggregation and this potentiation was blocked by TPEN. Experiments with the zinc ionophore suggest that intracellular zinc ions play an important role in activation of platelets, and in the absence of other platelet agonists it appears that it may be a requirement for ADP-induced platelet aggregation to occur.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗
PubMed1993

Glycoprotein IIb peptide 656-667 mimics the fibrinogen gamma chain 402-411 binding site on platelet integrin GPIIb/IIIa.

The human integrin glycoprotein IIb/IIIa complex plays a central role in haemostasis as an inducible receptor for fibrinogen and other adhesive proteins at the platelet plasma membrane. Current evidence indicates that the ligand-binding domain of GPIIb/IIIa is discontinuous and placed at the subunit interface. Here we show that a synthetic peptide containing the polypeptide stretch GPIIb 656-667, which is hidden within the resting platelet GPIIb/IIIa heterodimer but becomes exposed following platelet activation with thrombin, binds to soluble fibrinogen (n = 2.3 +/- 1.3; Kd = 2 +/- 0.8 x 10(-5) M). This interaction is Ca(2+)-independent and can be partially inhibited with synthetic fibrinogen gamma-chain peptide 400-411 but not with GRGDS. In addition, peptide GPIIb 656-667 inhibits in a dose-dependent manner the aggregation of activated platelets (IC50 = 170 microM). Altogether, our results indicate that the GPIIb 656-667 region may form part of the inducible fibrinogen binding site and may not overlap with the integrin RGD-recognition domain.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1993

Mouse antithrombotic assay. Inhibition of platelet thromboembolism by disintegrins.

The mouse antithrombotic assay represents a model of fatal pulmonary thromboembolism induced by intravenous injection of collagen and epinephrine. Mice were protected by low doses of two disintegrins, albolabrin (10 micrograms/mouse) and eristostatin (0.6 micrograms/mouse), whereas high doses of a thrombin inhibitor and an inhibitor of von Willebrand Factor binding to glycoprotein Ib were not effective. Injection of collagen and epinephrine resulted in the drop of platelet count and accumulation of platelet aggregates in the lung that appears to be the immediate cause of death. Albolabrin or eristostatin administration did not prevent the decrease of platelet count. Injection of albolabrin resulted in the formation of smaller and reversible platelet aggregates in the lungs and decreased accumulation of 51Cr-labeled platelets in the lung suggesting that this disintegrin decreases formation of platelet aggregates in vivo. We compared the effects of albolabrin and erisostatin on platelet aggregation, tail bleeding time, and survival of challenged animals. Eristostatin was about 5 times more potent in inhibiting platelet aggregation in vitro than albolabrin and 38 times more potent than albolabrin in protecting animals from sudden death. Both disintegrins, at the same doses (0.6-5 micrograms/mouse), caused similar dose-dependent prolongation of the bleeding time; however, only eristostatin exerted a protective effect. In conclusion, a) the mouse antithrombotic assay is a suitable model to screen and to evaluate the potency of platelet fibrinogen receptor antagonists in vivo; b) the results of the antithrombotic assay correlate better with the inhibition of platelet aggregation in vitro than with the prolongation of bleeding time.

Amino Acid Chloromethyl Ketones↗
PubMed1993

Echicetin: a snake venom protein that inhibits binding of von Willebrand factor and alboaggregins to platelet glycoprotein Ib.

Echicetin, a new protein isolated from Echis carinatus venom by reverse phase and ion exchange chromatography specifically inhibited agglutination of fixed platelets induced by several platelet glycoprotein Ib (GPIb) agonists, such as bovine von Willebrand factor (vWF), alboaggregins, and human vWF in the presence of botrocetin. Unlike alboaggregins, echicetin bound to GPIb but did not induce agglutination of washed or fixed platelets. In contrast to disintegrins, it did not block adenosine 5'-diphosphate (ADP)-induced platelet aggregation in the presence of fibrinogen. The apparent molecular weight of echicetin measured on sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) gel electrophoresis was 26 Kd under nonreducing conditions. On reduction, echicetin showed 16 and 14-Kd subunits suggesting that the molecule is a dimer. Reduced echicetin retained its binding activity and its inhibitory effect on the agglutination of fixed platelets induced by bovine vWF. 125I-echicetin bound to fixed platelets with high affinity (kd = 30 +/- 1.8 nmol/L) at 45,000 +/- 2,400 binding sites per platelet. The binding was selectively inhibited by a monoclonal antibody to the 45-Kd N-terminal domain of platelet GPIb, but not by monoclonal antibodies to other regions on GPIb. Binding of 125I-bovine vWF to fixed platelets was strongly inhibited by echicetin. In contrast, bovine vWF showed a much weaker inhibitory activity on binding of 125I-echicetin to platelets. The half life of echicetin in blood was approximately 170 minutes with no detectable degradation. Echicetin significantly prolonged the bleeding time of mice, suggesting that it may inhibit vWF binding to GPIb in vivo as well as in vitro.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Beta 3 integrin derived peptide 217-230 inhibits fibrinogen binding and platelet aggregation: significance of RGD sequences and fibrinogen A alpha-chain.

beta 3 Integrin derived peptides 217-230 (DAPEGGFDAIMQAT) and 217-231 (Y) (DAPEGGFDAIMQATVY) at 100 microM inhibited 125I-fibrinogen binding to ADP-stimulated platelets and platelet aggregation. Peptide 217-231 (Y) (100 microM) significantly inhibited the binding of 125I-albolabrin (a disintegrin with a single RGD sequence) to ADP- and thrombin-activated platelets while it had only a slight effect on albolabrin binding to resting platelets. The 125I-beta 3 217-231 (Y) cross-linked selectively to the fibrinogen A alpha-chain. The interaction of the RGD sequence in the A alpha-chain of fibrinogen with beta 3 217-231 sequence appears to play a significant role in the events leading to platelet aggregation.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗
PubMed1993

Neutrophil-activating intercrine secreted by porcine platelets is active without proteolytic processing.

A new member of the cytokine intercrine alpha-subfamily, porcine neutrophil-activating peptide 2 (pNAP-2), was isolated to homogeneity. Amino acid sequencing analysis showed two species of pNAP-2, a long form (pNAP-2-L) and a short form (pNAP-2-S). pNAP-2-L had seven more amino acids at the NH2-terminus than pNAP-2-S. The remaining amino acid sequences of the two molecules were identical. pNAP-2-S shared 65% homology with human neutrophil-activating peptide 2 (hNAP-2) including four cysteines in identical positions. Moreover, the NH2-terminal sequence Glu-Leu-Arg (E-L-R) was conserved in both molecules. Both pNAP-2-L and pNAP-2-S induced mobilization of cytosolic calcium in neutrophils and caused release of granulocyte elastase in a dose-dependent manner, although pNAP-2-L was less active. A desensitization study suggested that both hNAP-2 and pNAP-2-S may act on the same receptor. Whereas human platelets release inactive precursors that can be converted to hNAP-2 by cathepsin G from activated neutrophils, porcine platelets, upon stimulation with thrombin, appear to secrete active forms of pNAP-2. The activated neutrophils are not involved in the generation of pNAP-2.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1993

Exposure of platelet fibrinogen receptors by zinc ions: role of protein kinase C.

Previous studies demonstrated that Zn2+ at a concentration of 50 microM increases the number of fibrinogen receptors exposed on ADP-stimulated platelets and that higher concentrations of Zn2+ induce platelet aggregation that appears to be mediated by receptors associated with the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa complex. The purpose of this study was to identify the mechanism by which Zn2+ modulates exposure of fibrinogen receptors on the surface of human washed platelets. We determined that Zn2+ (300-800 microM)-induced platelet aggregation that was not accompanied by the release of [14C]serotonin was not blocked by ADP scavenging enzymes and 5'-p-fluorosulfonylbenzoyl-adenosine, an affinity label for ADP binding sites, but it was inhibited by disintegrins, staurosporine, and EDTA. Zn2+ (50-200 microM) showed a synergistic effect on platelet aggregation and platelet release caused by ADP and N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine, a Zn2+ chelator, and inhibited ADP-induced platelet aggregation that was reversed by Zn2+ (50 microM). Zn2+ (200 microM) increased the number of fibrinogen binding sites and the affinity of albolabrin (a disintegrin isolated from Trimeresurus albolabris snake venom that has been shown to bind to the fibrinogen receptor) on ADP-activated platelets. On the other hand, Zn2+ (100-800 microM) did not increase fibrinogen binding to the purified receptor. Incubation of platelets with Zn2+ (200 microM) resulted in the phosphorylation of a 47-kDa protein that was blocked by staurosporine, an inhibitor of protein kinase C. In conclusion, Zn2+ ions activate protein kinase C and enhance fibrinogen receptor exposure on the surface of platelets stimulated by ADP.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗
PubMed1993

Aprotinin inhibits the contact, neutrophil, and platelet activation systems during simulated extracorporeal perfusion.

Aprotinin reduces blood loss after cardiac operations and decreases the bleeding time. The mechanism of action of aprotinin that produces these effects is not clear. During simulated extracorporeal circulation the contact and complement systems, platelets, and neutrophils are activated. We investigated the effect of aprotinin on kallikrein-C1-inhibitor complex and C1-C1-inhibitor complex formation, neutrophil degranulation, and platelet release and aggregation during simulated extracorporeal circulation. Fresh heparinized human blood was recirculated at 37 degrees C for 2 hours in a spiral coil membrane oxygenator-roller pump perfusion circuit. Changes in platelet count, leukocyte count, platelet response to adenosine diphosphate, and plasma levels of beta-thromboglobulin, kallikrein-C1-inhibitor complexes, C1-C1-inhibitor complexes, and neutrophil elastase were measured before and at 5, 30, 60, and 120 minutes of recirculation at 0, 0.015, 0.03, 0.06, and 0.12 mg/ml doses of aprotinin. Platelet counts decreased to 36% +/- 12% of control values at 5 minutes and increased to 56% +/- 13% at 120 minutes without aprotinin. Aprotinin did not affect platelet counts, but it did prevent the decrease in sensitivity of platelets to adenosine diphosphate and it attenuated beta-thromboglobulin release. In the absence of aprotinin, kallikrein-C1-inhibitor and C1-C1-inhibitor complexes increased progressively to 0.53 +/- 0.14 U/ml and 2.38 +/- 0.33 U/ml, respectively, at 120 minutes. Kallikrein-C1-inhibitor complexes were completely inhibited and C1-C1-inhibitor complexes were partially inhibited at aprotinin concentrations of 0.03 mg/ml or greater. Release of neutrophil elastase was partially but not completely inhibited at the highest dose of aprotinin and was 50% inhibited at a dose of 0.03 mg/ml. Because activation of the fibrinolytic system does not occur in this system, the changes were independent of the inhibition of plasmin. We conclude that aprotinin in high doses completely inhibited kallikrein-induced activation of neutrophils and partially inhibited complement-induced activation. Aprotinin did not directly affect platelet adhesion or aggregation, but it indirectly preserved platelet sensitivity to agonists and also attenuated release of alpha-granule contents. The data indicate that in the presence of aprotinin platelet function was partially preserved, kallikrein production was totally inhibited, complement activation was partially inhibited, and neutrophil release was partially inhibited, thus attenuating the "whole body inflammatory response" associated with cardiopulmonary bypass.

Aprotinin↗
PubMed1992

The disulfide bridge pattern of snake venom disintegrins, flavoridin and echistatin.

Flavoridin and echistatin, isolated from the venom of Trimeresurus flavoviridis and Echis carinatus, respectively, belong to the disintegrin family of integrin beta 1 and beta 3 inhibitors of low molecular weight RGD-containing, cysteine-rich peptides. Since disulfide bonds are critical for expression of biological activity, we sought to determine their location in these two proteins. In flavoridin, direct evidence for the existence of linkage between Cys4-Cys19 and between Cys45 and Cys64 was obtained by analysis of proteolytic products, and indirect evidence suggests links between Cys6-Cys14 and Cys13-Cys36. In echistatin, links between Cys8-Cys37 and Cys20-Cys39 were identified by direct chemical analysis.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1992

Binding of glycoprotein IIIa-derived peptide 217-231 to fibrinogen and von Willebrand factors and its inhibition by platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa complex.

Based on previous reports in the literature and the high homology between platelet glycoprotein (GP) IIIa 217-231 and similar portions of other beta subunits of integrin receptors, we hypothesized that this region may participate in ligand binding. Using a polyclonal antibody against GPIIIa 217-231(YC), we tested the interaction of a synthetic peptide representing this region with fibrinogen (Fg), in the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) system. Results show a calcium-independent, dose-related, direct interaction between GPIIIa 217-231(Y) and immobilized Fg. This peptide also bound to von Willebrand Factor (vWF) and fibronectin (Fn), but did not attach to a 50 kDa Fn fragment which is deficient in the cell attachment site. In addition, purified GPIIb/IIIa displaced GPIIIa 217-231(Y) from Fg and vWF. Binding of 125I-GPIIIa 217-231(Y) to Fg coated tubes was inhibited by soluble Fg and by the GPIIb/IIIa complex. We synthesized this peptide with several alterations; similar peptides with Pro-219 replaced with an Ala showed significantly reduced binding to Fg and vWF. The decreased binding of the peptides with Pro-219 substitutes suggests that the confirmation of GPIIIa 217-230 is important for its ability to bind to adhesive ligands. In conclusion, the amino acid residues between 217 and 231 of GPIIIa appear to be involved in ligand binding and Pro-219 probably plays a significant role in this interaction.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1992

Platelet factor 4 efficiently reverses heparin anticoagulation in the rat without adverse effects of heparin-protamine complexes.

BACKGROUND: It has been observed that the reversal of heparin anticoagulation in humans by protamine sulfate (PS) results in various adverse reactions including leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, activation of complement, increased vascular permeability, systemic hypotension, pulmonary vasoconstriction, and pulmonary edema. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and effects of native platelet factor 4 (PF4) and recombinant platelet factor 4 (rPF4) with those of PS in heparin neutralization in vivo, using a rat model. METHODS AND RESULTS: Sprague-Dawley rats were anesthetized with sodium pentobarbital, and the right femoral vein and carotid artery were cannulated. For determination of activated partial thromboplastin time, platelet count, white blood cell count, and complement titer, arterial blood samples were taken before and immediately after heparin (10 units/100 g) infusion and at several time points after the infusion of the neutralizing agent (PS, 0.1 mg/100 g; PF4, 0.5 mg/100 g). In separate groups of animals, mean arterial blood pressure was monitored throughout identical protocols and the lungs were prepared for histological examination. The anticoagulant activity of heparin was effectively reversed by all of the neutralizing agents (PS, PF4, and rPF4). Platelet count (48% of initial), white blood cell count (52% of initial), complement titer (60% of initial), and mean arterial pressure (20% decrease) decreased significantly in heparinized animals receiving PS but not in those receiving PF4 or rPF4. Lung interstitium appeared normal when heparin was followed by PF4; however, interstitial edema and hemorrhage were observed with heparin-PS. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that PF4 efficiently reverses heparin anticoagulation in the rat without the adverse effects of heparin-protamine complexes. Therefore, rPF4 may be an appropriate substitute for PS in patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery and other procedures that require heparin anticoagulation.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Isolation, characterization, and immunological detection of neutrophil-activating peptide 2: a proteolytic degradation product of platelet basic protein.

Neutrophil-activating peptide 2 (NAP-2), corresponding to platelet basic protein fragment 25-94, was prepared by chymotryptic digestion of its precursors, low affinity platelet factor 4 or beta-thromboglobulin, followed by purification by high performance liquid chromatography. NAP-2 (0.1-1.5 microns) caused the release of human granulocyte elastase from cytochalasin B-treated neutrophils in a dose-dependent manner. In the same system, beta-thromboglobulin, human platelet factor 4, S-pyridylethyl NAP-2, and platelet basic protein C-terminal fragment (77-94) were inactive, whereas platelet basic protein fragment 22-89 had low, but significant, activity. Sensitive immunological identification of NAP-2 based on nonequilibrium isoelectric focusing and immunoblotting is described.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1992

Protection of platelets during long-term extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in sheep with a single dose of a disintegrin.

BACKGROUND: Both short- and long-term extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) causes platelet loss and dysfunction. Bitistatin is a reversible inhibitor of the platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor. This study tests the hypothesis that inhibition of platelets by bitistatin during initial contact with the perfusion circuit preserves platelet number and function during long-term ECMO in sheep. METHODS AND RESULTS: Bitistatin, purified from crude snake venom, was tested for its effect on platelet count, responsiveness to ADP, release of platelet factor 4, and prevention of surface-adsorbed glycoprotein IIIa in vitro and during 24 hours of ECMO in nine splenectomized sheep. During simulated extracorporeal circulation, 0.5-1.0 microgram/ml bitistatin significantly prevented platelet adhesion, attenuated release of sheep platelet factor 4, and preserved platelet responsiveness to ADP. During ECMO at 1.8 l/min for 24 hours, a single dose of bitistatin (200 micrograms/kg) (n = 4) produced higher platelet counts (p = 0.0002) and suppressed release of platelet factor 4 (p = 0.035) for 16 hours compared with five control animals. This dose of bitistatin caused an immediate inhibition of platelet aggregation; however, between 4 and 24 hours of perfusion, platelets of bitistatin-treated animals were more responsive to ADP (p < 0.0001) compared with platelets in control animals. The amount of glycoprotein IIIa antigen extracted by Triton X-100 from the perfusion circuits was reduced in bitistatin-treated sheep. CONCLUSIONS: A single dose of bitistatin given before blood contact with the ECMO circuit briefly inhibits platelet adhesion and aggregation but thereafter preserves platelet numbers and function and suppresses alpha-granule release for 12-16 hours of ECMO.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗
PubMed1991

Ovine platelet factor 4: purification, amino acid sequence, radioimmunoassay and comparison with platelet factor 4 of other species.

A simple method of purification of ovine platelet factor 4 (PF4) is described. Material released by freezing and thawing suspension of washed sheep platelets was fractionated by heparin-agarose chromatography and reverse phase HPLC. Purified ovine PF4 contained 85 amino acids (Mr 9130) and showed 78% homology with bovine PF4, 76% with porcine PF4, 71% homology with human PF4, and 61% with rat PF4. The heparin binding site of ovine PF4 localized in the C-terminal region of the molecule was identified as LYKKIIKRLL. The content of PF4 determined by radioimmunoassay was 22.6 (+/- 1.6 S.D.) micrograms per 10(9) platelets and 46.8 (+/- 19.6 S.D.) ng per ml platelet poor plasma collected in acid citrate dextrose in the presence of prostaglandin E1. PF4 was rapidly released during stimulation of ovine platelets by collagen.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1991

Identification of the disulfide bond pattern in albolabrin, an RGD-containing peptide from the venom of Trimeresurus albolabris: significance for the expression of platelet aggregation inhibitory activity.

Albolabrin is a 73 amino acid peptide isolated from the venom of Trimeresurus albolabris. It contains an RGD sequence and 12 cysteines and is a potent inhibitor of both platelet aggregation and fibrinogen binding to the GPIIb/IIIa complex. This protein shows a high degree of analogy (primarily due to the alignment of all cysteines and the RGD) with a number of other viper venom proteins which inhibit cell adhesion and platelet aggregation and are referred to as disintegrins: rhodostomin, trigramin, flavoridin, applagin, elegantin, and batroxostatin. In this study, we found that the reduction and vinylpyridylethylation of albolabrin and flavoridin decreased their platelet aggregation inhibitory activity approximately 40-50 times. It can be postulated that the higher potency of native and reduced flavoridin as compared to albolabrin depends on the substitution of the Asp of albolabrin with a Phe at the C-terminal end of the RGD in flavoridin. The activity of a synthetic C-terminal peptide derived from flavoridin (residues 35-65) containing four cysteines was about 75 times lower than that of the original flavoridin. The substitution of a pair of cysteine residues with alanines in this peptide resulted in further loss of activity. In order to identify the disulfide bonds in albolabrin, the molecule was digested consecutively by trypsin and porcine pancreatic elastase. Peptides resulting from this digestion were isolated by reverse-phase HPLC and identified by amino acid composition and mass spectrometry.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adenosine Diphosphate↗
PubMed1991

Inhibition of murine melanoma cell-matrix adhesion and experimental metastasis by albolabrin, an RGD-containing peptide isolated from the venom of Trimeresurus albolabris.

Albolabrin, a 7.5-kDa cysteine-rich protein isolated from the venom of Trimeresurus albolabris, contains the arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) cell recognition sequence found in many cell adhesion-promoting extracellular matrix proteins, such as fibronectin and laminin. Albolabrin belongs to a family of RGD-containing peptides, termed disintegrins, recently isolated from the venom of various vipers and discovered to be potent inhibitors of both platelet aggregation and cell-substratum adhesion. Here we report that albolabrin inhibited the attachment of B16-F10 mouse melanoma cells to either fibronectin or laminin absorbed on plastic. When immobilized on plastic, albolabrin promoted B16-F10 melanoma cell attachment; this was inhibited by either RGD-serine (RGDS) or antibodies to integrins, suggesting that albolabrin binds via its RGD amino sequence to integrin receptors expressed on the melanoma cell surface. In an in vivo experimental metastasis system, albolabrin at a concentration of 300-600 nM inhibited C57BL/6 mouse lung colonization by tail vein-injected mouse melanoma cells and was at least 2000 times more active than RGDS in this assay. We propose that albolabrin inhibits tumor cell metastasis by inhibiting integrin-mediated attachment of melanoma cells to RGD-containing components of the extracellular matrix in the mouse lung.

Animals↗