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Structure of the human type XIX collagen (COL19A1) gene, which suggests it has arisen from an ancestor gene of the FACIT family.

Type XIX collagen is a newly discovered member of the FACIT (fibril-associated collagens with interrupted triple helices) group of extracellular matrix proteins. Based on the primary structure, type XIX collagen is thought to act as a cross-bridge between fibrils and other extracellular matrix molecules. Here we describe the complete exon/intron organization of COL19A1 and show that it contains 51 exons, spanning more than 250 kb of genomic DNA. The comparison of exon structures of COL19A1 and other FACIT family genes revealed several similarities among these genes. The structure of exons encoding the noncollagenous (NC) 1-collagenous (COL) 1-NC 2-COL 2-NC 3-COL 3-NC 4 domain of the alpha1(XIX) chain is similar to that of the NC 1-COL 1-NC 2-COL 3-NC 3 domain of the alpha2(IX) chain except for the NC 3 domain of alpha1(XIX). The exons encoding the COL 5-NC 6 domain of alpha1(XIX) are also similar to those of the COL 3-NC 4 domain of alpha1(IX) chain. Previously, COL19A1 was mapped to human chromosome 6q12-q14, where COL9A1 is also located. Likewise, the present work shows that the mouse Col19a1 gene is located on mouse chromosome 1, region A3, where Col9a1 has also been mapped. Taken together, the data suggest that COL19A1 and COL9A1 (Col19a1 and Col9a1) were duplicated from the same ancestor gene of the FACIT family. Three CA repeat markers with high heterozygosity were found in COL19A1. These markers may be useful for linkage analysis of age-related inheritable diseases involved in eyes and/or brain.

Alleles↗

Location of the platelet binding site in zymogen coagulation factor IX.

The assembly of the tenase complex on the surface of the platelet is an essential step in maintaining normal hemostasis as evidenced by the serious hemorrhagic diathesis associated with either factor IX (FIX) or factor VIII deficiencies. Understanding the regions and or residues of FIX crucial for proper binding to platelets has important clinical implications. The ability of FIX to bind activated platelets in the presence of 4 mmol/l CaCl2 was examined using electrophoretic light-scattering experiments. Wild-type FIX binds to activated platelets with dissociation constant Kd = 7.9 nmol/l. Activated FIX binds to activated platelets with Kd = 2 nmol/l. Activated factor VII does not bind activated platelets at physiological concentrations. The Gla domain of FIX is important for the binding of FIX to activated platelets since a chimera with a factor VII (FVII) template and FIX Gla [FVII(FIXGla)] has Kd = 9.6 nmol/l, and a chimera with a FVII template and FIX Gla, A and the first epidermal growth factor domain (EGF1) [FVII(FIXGla,A,EGF1)] has Kd = 9.7 nmol/l, but a chimera with a FIX template and a FVII Gla [FIX(FVIIGla)] does not bind activated platelets. Altering the fifth residue of FIX from a lysine to an alanine (Lys5<--Ala) abolishes the mutant from binding to collagen but does not affect FIX binding to the activated platelet (Kd = 9.8 nmol/l). Point mutations involved with residues 4 and 5 (Gly4<--Phe and Lys5<--no residue), residue 9 (Phe9<--Ala), residue 10 (Val10<--Lys) and residues 9-11 (Phe9<--Met, Val10<--Lys, Glu11<--Lys) do not bind to activated platelets.

Binding Sites↗

Age-related changes in coagulation, fibrinolysis, and platelet aggregation in male WBN/Kob rats.

We investigated the age-related changes in blood coagulation, fibrinolysis, and platelet aggregation in male WBN/Kob rats, animals that exhibit spontaneously diabetes mellitus at more than 6 months of age. The rats aged 6 months or more showed significant hyperglycemia, hypoinsulinemia, and hyperlipidemia. As changes in coagulation parameters, the data indicated significant increases in factors II, V, VII, VIII, IX, X, and XII activities; a significant decrease in antithrombin III activity in rats more than 6 months of age; significant increases in fibrinogen level and factor XI activity; and significant decreases in prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time in those more than 9 months of age. As changes in fibrinolytic parameters, the animals showed significant decreases in plasminogen and tissue-type plasminogen activator, and significant increases in alpha2-plasmin inhibitor and plasminogen activator inhibitor at more than 6 months of age. In addition, there were significant correlations between the plasma levels of coagulation/fibrinolytic markers and the 4-hour fasting glucose or lipids. Furthermore, they displayed significant increases in ADP- or collagen-induced platelet aggregation and in cholesterol/phospholipid molar ratio in platelets at more than 9 months of age. The increase in cholesterol/phospholipid ratio may be responsible for hyperaggregation of platelets in diabetic animals. These findings suggest that WBN/Kob rats are suitable for research on blood coagulation abnormalities in diabetes. However, further studies are needed to clarify the details of the mechanisms involved.

Age Factors↗

Collagen-bound von Willebrand factor has reduced affinity for factor VIII.

von Willebrand factor (vWf) is a multimeric adhesive glycoprotein that serves as a carrier for factor VIII in plasma. Although each vWf subunit displays a high affinity binding site for factor VIII in vitro, in plasma, only 2% of the vWf sites for factor VIII are occupied. We investigated whether interaction of plasma proteins with vWf or adhesion of vWf to collagen may alter the affinity or availability of factor VIII-binding sites on vWf. When vWf was immobilized on agarose-linked monoclonal antibody, factor VIII bound to vWf with high affinity, and neither the affinity nor binding site availability was influenced by the presence of 50% plasma. Therefore, plasma proteins do not alter the affinity or availability of factor VIII-binding sites. In contrast, when vWf was immobilized on agarose-linked collagen, its affinity for factor VIII was reduced 4-fold, with KD increasing from 0.9 to 3.8 nM. However, one factor VIII-binding site remained available on each vWf subunit. A comparable reduction in affinity for factor VIII was observed when vWf was a constituent of the subendothelial cell matrix and when it was bound to purified type VI collagen. In parallel with the decreased affinity for factor VIII, collagen-bound vWf displayed a 6-fold lower affinity for monoclonal antibody W5-6A, with an epitope composed of residues 78-96 within the factor VIII-binding motif of vWf. We conclude that collagen induces a conformational change within the factor VIII-binding motif of vWf that lowers the affinity for factor VIII.

Animals↗

The Arg-Gly-Asp-containing peptide, rhodostomin, inhibits in vitro cell adhesion to extracellular matrices and platelet aggregation caused by saos-2 human osteosarcoma cells.

Saos-2 cells, derived from a primary human osteosarcoma, caused dose-dependent platelet aggregation in heparinised human platelet-rich plasma. Saos-2 tumour cell-induced platelet aggregation (TCIPA) was completely inhibited by hirudin but unaffected by apyrase. The cell suspension shortened the plasma recalcification times of normal, factor VIII-deficient and factor IX-deficient human plasmas in a dose-dependent manner. However, the cell suspension did not affect the recalcification time of factor VII-deficient plasma. Moreover, a monoclonal antibody (MAb) against human tissue factor completely abolished TCIPA. Flow cytometric analysis using anti-integrin MAbs as the primary binding ligands demonstrated that the integrin receptors alpha v beta 3, alpha 5 beta 1 and alpha 6 beta 1 were present of Saos-2 cells, which might mediate tumour cell adhesion to extracellular matrix. Rhodostomin, an Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD)-containing snake venom peptide which antagonises the binding of fibrinogen to platelet membrane glycoprotein IIb/IIIa, prevented Saos-2 TCIPA as well as tumour cell adhesion to vitronectin, fibronectin and collagen type I. Likewise, the synthetic peptide Gly-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser (GRGDS) showed a similar effect. On a molar basis, rhodostomin was about 18,000 and 1000 times, respectively, more potent than GRGDS in inhibiting TCIPA and tumour cell adhesion.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

[Occipital horn syndrome (Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type IX) with severe psychomotor retardation and muscle atrophy--a first Japanese case].

Occipital horn syndrome (OHS; Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type IX) belongs to the category of the copper metabolism disorders and is at present being investigated biochemically as is Menkes disease. We report a case of OHS in a 34-year-old male, which we believe to be the first Japanese case. He had been noted to have psychomotor retardation since his early childhood and now presents severe psychomotor retardation and muscle atrophy. He shows characteristic facial appearance, hyperelasticity of the skin, joint subluxation and generalized muscular atrophy. Laboratory investigations revealed a low serum copper and ceruloplasmin level as well as intestinal non-absorption of copper. Radiologic imagings showed occipital exostoses and bladder diverticula. The activity of lysyl oxidase, a copper-dependent enzyme involved in cross-link formation in collagen, was decreased in a skin-biopsied specimen. Electronmicroscopic investigation of a muscle biopsy showed irregularity of the myofibrillar network and accumulation of the concentric laminated bodies in the subsarcolemmal regions.

Adult↗

Inherited Platelet GPIV Deficiency: First Description of a Series of Unrelated Patients with Bleeding Diathesis.

GPIV (CD36) is a multifunctional membrane protein expressed on various cells, including platelets, where it plays a role in adhesion and activation through the interaction with its ligands, including collagen types I and III and thrombospondin 1. Inherited GPIV deficiency, historically recognized in anti-Naka alloimmunized East Asian donors, is considered asymptomatic and associated with normal platelet aggregation, although impaired adhesion under high-flow conditions has been reported. Here, we reconsider the molecular basis, epidemiology and functional consequences of GPIV deficiency and report four unrelated patients in whom heterozygous CD36 variants are associated with markedly reduced platelet GPIV expression and a clinically relevant mucocutaneous bleeding diathesis. Patients suffered lifelong bleeding symptoms despite normal light-transmission aggregometry and platelet granule content and release and displayed decreased GPIV expression. Three of them showed slightly decreased VWF. Platelet adhesion to Type I collagen was reduced at high shear. These cases suggest for the first time an association between CD36 gene variants and bleeding and underscore the importance of including GPIV in the diagnostic workup of inherited platelet disorders, particularly when conventional assays do not reveal abnormalities.

Humans↗

Influence of cyclical mechanical strain on extracellular matrix gene expression in human lamina cribrosa cells in vitro.

PURPOSE: The mechanical effect of raised intraocular pressure is a recognised stimulus for optic neuropathy in primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). Characteristic extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling accompanies axonal damage in the lamina cribrosa (LC) of the optic nerve head in POAG. Glial cells in the lamina cribrosa may play a role in this process but the precise cellular responses to mechanical forces in this region are unknown. The authors examined global gene expression profiles in lamina cribrosa cells exposed to cyclical mechanical stretch, with an emphasis on ECM genes. METHODS: Glial fibrillary acid protein negative primary LC cells were generated from the optic nerve head tissue of three normal human donors. Confluent cell passages (n=4) were exposed to 15% stretch at 1 Hz or static conditions for 24 h using the Flexercell system. Gene expression was assessed using Affymetrix U133A microarrays with pooled RNA. Expression levels were normalized using robust multi-chip average (RMA). Expression data was annotated using NIH DAVID software. ECM-related gene expression was validated in an independent experiment using quantitative real-time PCR and protein synthesis was measured using ELISA and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Compared with static controls, 805 genes were upregulated and 644 were downregulated by +/-1.5 fold in stretched LC cells. Gene ontologies included ECM, cell proliferation, growth factor activity, and signal transduction. Differentially expressed ECM genes included elastin, collagens (IV, VI, VIII, IX), thrombospondin 1, perlecan, and lysl oxidase. Quantitative PCR demonstrated that the expression of TGF-beta2, BMP-7, elastin, collagen VI, biglycan, versican, EMMPRIN, VEGF, and thrombomodulin were reproducible and consistent with the microarray data. VEGF and TGF-beta2 protein levels were also significantly (p<0.05) increased in stretched cell media supernatants. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated increased EMMPRIN (an extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer) protein in human POAG optic nerve head tissue compared to nonglaucomatous controls. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate that LC cells respond to mechanical stimuli in vitro by transcription of several components and modulators of the ECM. Some of the upregulated ECM genes identified are novel in the context of glaucomatous optic neuropathy (biglycan, versican, EMMPRIN, and BMP-7). The LC cell may represent both an important pro-fibrotic cell type in the optic nerve head and an attractive target for novel therapeutic intervention in POAG.

Cells, Cultured↗

Distinct antithrombotic consequences of platelet glycoprotein Ibalpha and VI deficiency in a mouse model of arterial thrombosis.

BACKGROUND: Collagen and von Willebrand factor (VWF) are considered essential to initiate platelet deposition at sites of vascular injury, but their respective roles remain to be elucidated. METHODS: We used a model of carotid artery thrombosis induced by a ferric chloride injury to compare the time to first occlusion and occlusion rate at 25 min postinjury in mice lacking the collagen receptor, glycoprotein (GP) VI, or the ligand-binding domain of the VWF receptor, GP Ibalpha. RESULTS: In normal mice used as controls (n = 12), a complete obstruction of blood flow developed within 8.05 +/- 0.47 min (mean +/- SEM), and the occlusion rate was 100%. The results were variable in 26 GP VI(-/-) mice. The artery never occluded in eight mice, but the time to first occlusion in the remaining 18 (8.36 +/- 0.27 min) was not different from normal (P = 0.556). Nonetheless, the occlusion rate was 42%, because in seven mice the occluded artery reopened and stayed patent at 25 min. In contrast, the artery never occluded in 12 mice lacking GP Ibalpha. In ex vivo perfusion experiments, GP VI(-/-) platelets failed to form thrombi onto collagen type I fibrils, but formed thrombi of normal size when exposed to endothelial or fibroblast extracellular matrix. CONCLUSIONS: Absence of GP Ibalpha function has a more profound antithrombotic effect in vivo than absence of the GP VI-dependent pathway of collagen-induced adhesion/activation. Components of the extracellular matrix may elicit a thrombogenic response in the absence of GP VI but not GP Ibalpha.

Animals↗

Central nervous system involvement and generalized muscular atrophy in occipital horn syndrome: Ehlers-Danlos type IX. A first Japanese case.

Occipital horn syndrome (OHS, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type IX) belongs to the category of the copper metabolism disorders and is at present being investigated biochemically as is Menkes' disease. Unlike Menkes' disease, most patients with OHS have mild submentality. We report a case of OHS with severe central nervous system involvement and muscular atrophy in a 34-year-old male. He had psychomotor retardation and seizures since early childhood and now presented severe mental retardation and generalized muscular atrophy in addition to characteristic facial appearance, hyperelasticity of the skin and joint subluxation. Laboratory investigations revealed a low serum copper and ceruloplasmin level as well as intestinal non-absorption of copper. Radiographic imaging showed occipital exostoses, bladder diverticula, tortuosity of the peripheral vein and osteoporosis of the skeletal bones. The activity of lysyl oxidase, a copper-enzyme involved in cross-link formation in collagen, was found to be decreased in a skin-biopsy specimen. Electron-microscopic investigation of a muscle biopsy showed irregularity of the myofibrillar network and accumulation of concentric laminated bodies in the subsarcolemmal regions.

Adult↗

Circulating and binding characteristics of wild-type factor IX and certain Gla domain mutants in vivo.

Residue K5 in factor IX gamma-carboxyglutamic acid (Gla) domain participates in binding endothelial cells/collagen IV. We injected recombinant factor IX containing mutations at residue 5 (K5A, K5R) into factor IX-deficient mice and compared their behavior with that of wild-type factor IX. The plasma concentration of factor IX that binds to endothelial cells/collagen IV (recombinant wild type and K5R) was consistently lower than that of the one that does not bind (K5A). Mice treated with wild type or K5R had 79% of the injected factor IX in the liver after 2 minutes, whereas 17% remained in circulation. In mice injected with K5A, 59% of the injected factor IX was found in liver and 31% was found in plasma. When we blocked the liver circulation before factor IX injection, 74% of K5A and 64% of K5R remained in the blood. When we treated the mouse with EDTA after injecting exogenous factor IX, the blood levels of factor IX that bind to endothelial cells/collagen IV increased, presumably because of release from endothelial cell/collagen IV binding sites. In contrast, the levels of the mutants that do not bind were unaffected by EDTA. In immunohistochemical studies, factor IX appears on the endothelial surfaces of mouse arteries after factor IX injection and of human arteries from surgical specimens. Thus, we have demonstrated that factor IX binds in vivo to endothelial cell-collagen IV surfaces. Our results suggest that factor IX Gla-domain mediated binding to endothelial cells/collagen IV plays a role in controlling factor IX concentration in the blood.

Animals↗

In vitro evaluation of the haemostatic value of the LFB-von Willebrand factor concentrate.

The structural and functional studies of the concentrate of von Willebrand factor (vWF) manufactured by LFB have been first performed as part of the preclinical development of this product specially intended for the treatment of von Willebrand disease. The electrophoretic analyses showed the high purity of LFB-vWF concentrate (specific activity of 100 IU of ristocetin cofactor activity per milligram of protein) and the multimeric pattern attesting the presence of high molecular weight multimeters (> or = 15-mers). The measurements of vWF capacity to bind to: (1) platelet glycoprotein (GP) Ib in the presence of ristocetin; (2) GPIIb/IIIa in the presence of thrombin; (3) types I and III collagen; (4) factor VIII (FVIII) gave evidence that the functional activity of purified vWF was similar to that of native plasma vWF. Furthermore the LFB-vWF concentrate was able to promote platelet adhesion to collagen. The release of the therapeutic batches of this product rely presently on their potency measured with the ristocetin cofactor activity (40-70 IU ml-1) and the quantitative evaluation of vWF multimeric distribution studied using electrophoresis in 1.5% agarose. These validated techniques ensure the consistency and haemostatic properties of the different lots of LFB-vWF concentrate.

Collagen↗

Irgasan DP 300 (5-chloro-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)-phenol) induces cytochrome P450s and inhibits haem biosynthesis in rat hepatocytes cultured on Matrigel.

1. The effect of Irgasan DP 300 (5-chloro-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenol) on cytochrome P450 (P450) induction and haem biosynthesis was studied in rat hepatocytes cultured on Matrigel. 2. Irgasan DP 300 significantly induced 7-benzyloxyresorufin O-debenzylase activity, followed by 7-pentoxyresorufin O-depentylase and 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase activities. 4-Nitrophenol hydroxylase, testosterone 6 beta-hydroxylase and methoxyresorufin O-demethylase activities were also slightly increased. The maximum induction of these enzyme activities was obtained at the same concentration of 125 microM in the culture medium. 3. Immunochemical blots using anti-rat cytochrome P450 antibodies revealed that Irgasan DP 300 preferably induced CYP2B1/2 along with a slight increase in 3A. These results indicate that Irgasan DP 300 is a phenobarbital-type inducer. 4. In the absence of exogenous 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA), slight increases in protoporphyrin IX (2.6-fold) and coproporphyrin III (1.3-fold) were observed in the Irgasan DP 300-treated cultures. In contrast, when 75 microM ALA was present, Irgasan DP 300 (250 microM) caused an extensive accumulation of uroporphyrin I (13-fold). 5. Irgasan DP 300 inhibited rat hepatic uroporphyrinogen III synthase in vitro. 6. These results indicate that Irgasan DP 300 produced accumulation of hydroxymethylbilane in rat hepatocytes by inhibiting uroporphyrinogen III synthase, and consequently an accumulation of uroporphyrin I.

Aminolevulinic Acid↗

Biology of bone marrow stroma.

The marrow microenvironment is a complex, three-dimensional structure composed of many cell types and abundant extracellular matrix. Much of the data are derived from analysis of the adherent layer of murine and, especially, human long-term marrow cultures. An essential feature of this in vitro counterpart to the marrow microenvironment is the presence of flat angulated cells functionally defined as marrow stromal cells with the following phenotype: type IV collagen(+), laminin(+), vimentin(+), CD10(+), muscle actin(+), Stro-1(+), and negative for CD45, Mac-1, and HLA-DR. Stromal precursors are Stro-1(+) and CD34(+). Regulation of hematopoietic precursors by the microenvironment occurs by elaboration of regulatory molecules such as hematopoietic cytokines, by cell-cell contact via adhesion molecules such as alpha 4 beta 1 integrin, and by interactions with components of the extracellular matrix as in the case of the glycosaminoglycan hyaluronic acid with cell-associated CD44. Although little about the regulation of stromal cell development itself is known, several studies indicate the transplantability of marrow stromal cells under specific conditions. These developments suggest a potential role of stromal cells in cell therapy. Transfected stromal cells may serve as suitable vehicles for gene delivery to correct single gene disorders in which the product of the target gene does not require stringent regulation as, for example, in the correction of Factor VIII and Factor IX deficiency. Further studies are warranted to investigate marrow stromal cell physiology and regulation to better understand hematopoiesis and to explore the possible use of stroma in therapy.

Bone Marrow Cells↗

Functional studies on platelet adhesion with recombinant von Willebrand factor type 2B mutants R543Q and R543W under conditions of flow.

Type 2B von Willebrand disease (vWD) is characterized by the absence of the very high molecular weight von Willebrand factor (vWF) multimers from plasma, which is caused by spontaneous binding to platelet receptor glycoprotein Ib (GPIb). We studied two mutations in the A1 domain at position 543 in which arginine (R) was replaced by glutamine (Q) or tryptophan (W), respectively. Both mutations were previously identified in vWD type 2B patients. The mutations R543Q and R543W were cloned into a eukaryotic expression vector and subsequently transfected in baby hamster kidney cells overexpressing furin (fur-BHK). Stable cell lines were established by which the mutants were secreted in the cell culture supernatant. The subunit composition and multimeric structure of R543Q and R543W were similar to wild-type (WT) vWF. The mutants showed a spontaneous binding to GPIb. R543Q and R543W showed normal binding to collagen type III or heparin. Both mutants supported platelet adhesion under conditions of flow, usually when preincubated on a collagen type III surface. A low dose (2.5% of the concentration present in normal pooled plasma) of recombinant R543Q or R543W added to normal whole blood inhibited platelet adhesion to collagen type III. No inhibition was found when vWF was used as an adhesive surface. These results indicate that point mutations identified in vWD type 2B cause bleeding symptoms by two mechanisms: (1) the mutants cause platelet aggregation, which in vivo is followed by removal of the aggregates leading to the loss of high molecular weight multimers and thrombocytopenia, (2) on binding to circulating platelets the mutants block platelet adhesion. Relatively few molecules are required for the latter effect.

Animals↗

Specific synergy of multiple substrate-receptor interactions in platelet thrombus formation under flow.

We have used confocal videomicroscopy in real time to delineate the adhesive interactions supporting platelet thrombus formation on biologically relevant surfaces. Type I collagen fibrils exposed to flowing blood adsorb von Willebrand factor (vWF), to which platelets become initially tethered with continuous surface translocation mediated by the membrane glycoprotein Ib alpha. This step is essential at high wall shear rates to allow subsequent irreversible adhesion and thrombus growth mediated by the integrins alpha2beta1 and alpha(IIb)beta3. On subendothelial matrix, endogenous vWF and adsorbed plasma vWF synergistically initiate platelet recruitment, and alpha2beta1 remains key along with alpha(IIb)beta3 for normal thrombus development at all but low shear rates. Thus, hemodynamic forces and substrate characteristics define the platelet adhesion pathways leading to thrombogenesis.

Animals↗

Dissecting the hematopoietic microenvironment. IX. Further characterization of murine bone marrow stromal cells.

We have previously shown the adherent nontransformed, nonimmortalized murine bone marrow stromal cell (BMSC) population to consist of phagocytic macrophage and endothelial-like cells and nonphagocytic fibroblasts. Both colonial and near confluent growth of each cell type was obtained following magnetic bead separation, subsequent passaging, and sustained culture with fetal bovine serum and cytokines. Monoclonal antibody staining of antigenic determinants was used to characterize the phenotype of the stromal cell population in primary platings of murine colony-forming unit fibroblast and long-term bone marrow cultures. The antibodies MECA-99, MECA-32, and MJ7-18, raised against murine vascular endothelial antigenic determinants, and von Willebrand's factor all stained selectively for the rounded endothelial-like cells. Endothelial-like cells as well as macrophages expressed the myeloid surface antigens F4/80, 7/4, and Mac-1 under our culture conditions. The cytoskeleton of the stromal fibroblasts in culture was shown to express smooth muscle-specific actin isoforms, as evidenced by positive staining of stress fibers for alpha smooth muscle-1, CGA-7 (alpha/gamma isoforms), and HHF-35 (recognizes all muscle-specific actins). Under culture conditions, stromal fibroblasts were also found to be positive for a polyclonal smooth muscle myosin. It was found that these fibroblasts stained for collagens type I, III, and IV in our cultures. Although collagen type IV is considered a by-product of endothelial cells, endothelial-like cells in our cultures did not stain for any of the collagen types. We propose a classification listing for murine BMSCs as macrophages, endothelial-like cells, and fibroblasts that display smooth muscle-like characteristics in culture.

Animals↗

Autoantibody inhibits binding of von Willebrand factor to glycoprotein Ib and collagen in multiple myeloma: recognition sites present on the A1 loop and A3 domains of von Willebrand factor.

A 49-year-old man with multiple myeloma (IgG-lambda Bence-Jones protein positive) presented a bleeding tendency: characterized intramuscular hemorrhage. Coagulation studies showed a von Willebrand factor (vWF) defect (Duke bleeding time > 20 min; ristocetin cofactor activity [vWF:RC] < 6%; significant reduction of large multimers of vWF. Mixing study suggested the presence of inhibitor directed against vWF:RC activity and collagen binding activity of vWF. The inhibitor was identified as an antibody of the IgG class. The inhibitor blocked the interaction of vWF with glycoprotein Ib in the presence of ristocetin, as did the pepsin-digested fragment of the inhibitor [F(ab)2'], but neither blocked botrocetin-mediated interaction of vWF with glycoprotein Ib. They also inhibited the binding of vWF to immobilized collagen type I. The inhibitor and the F(ab)2' reacted strongly with native vWF and fragment I (amino acids 911-1365) and with the 39/34 kDa fragment (amino acids 480/481-718), but not with fragment II (amino acids 1366-2050) and fragment III-T2 (heavy chains, amino acids 273-511; light chains, amino acids 674-728). We conclude that the IgG antibody inhibits both vWF:RC activity and the binding of vWF to collagen by reacting with the epitopes present on the A1 loop and A3 domains of vWF.

Autoantibodies↗