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PubMed2004

Generation of functional culture-derived platelets from CD34+ progenitor cells to study transgenes in the platelet environment.

The possibility of evaluating the function of transgenes in platelets requires the generation of platelets from nucleated progenitor cells in vitro. In this article, we provide effective culture conditions for generating functional culture-derived (CD) human and mouse platelets from CD34(+) progenitor cells that allow expression of any foreign protein of interest. We have evolved an effective cytokine cocktail (thrombopoietin, stem cell factor, interleukin [IL]-1beta, IL-6) that induces a high yield of CD platelets and optimal shedding from cultivated megakaryocytes generated from CD34(+) progenitor cells. CD platelets showed similar functional and morphological characteristics compared with isolated blood platelets, including surface expression of platelet antigens (CD41, CD42, CD62P), aggregation, release of granule constituents (P-selectin, platelet factor 4, serotonin). Moreover, transmission electron microscopy revealed the presence of typical alpha- and dense granules and dense tubular system in CD platelets. Additionally, we showed that stable transgene expression in CD platelets can be performed through infection of CD34(+) progenitor cells using adenoviral vectors. Thus, we describe a methodology that enables studying functional consequences of transgenes of interest in the natural environment of platelets that may impose substantial impact on potential future platelet research and therapeutic target evaluation. The full text of this article is available online at http://circres.ahajournals.org.

Adenoviridae↗
PubMed1976

Platelet membrane glycoproteins implicated in ristocetin-induced aggregation. Studies of the proteins on platelets from patients with Bernard-Soulier syndrome and von Willebrand's disease.

The antibiotic ristocetin only aggregates platelets in the presence of plasma von Willebrand factor. Platelets from patients with Bernard-Soulier syndrome do not aggregate upon addition of ristocetin although, in contrast to von Willebrand's disease, plasma levels of factor VIII complex (factor VIII clotting activity, von Willebrand factor activity, and von Willebrand antigen) are normal. The membrane surface of normal platelets was modified and compared to the surface of platelets from a patient with Bernard-Soulier syndrome in an attempt to identify the receptor involved in von Willebrand factor-ristocetin-induced aggregation. After the incubation of washed normal platelets with a preparation of ristocetin previously shown to contain a proteolytic contaminant, the aggregation response is significantly decreased on addition or normal plasma. Analaysis by gel electrophoresis of such platelets when stained for carbohydrate revealed a decrease in the relative amounts of membrane glycopro-eins. Chymotrypsin-treated normal platelets had less membrane glycoproteins in addition to giving a reduced aggregation response in ristocetin-induced aggregation. Staining of gels for protein and carbohydrate indicated that there was an extensive change in the surface of Bernard-Soulier platelets, whereas those from patients with von Willebrand's disease appeared the same as normal. Platelets from patients were labeled by the lactoperoxidase iodination technique. Not only was the relative intensity of staining of platelet-specific proteins and glycoproteins changed in Bernard-Soulier platelets, but the iodination of the glycoproteins on the membrane surface relative to other membrane constituents was lower. In contrast, platelets from patients with von Willebrand's disease showed a normal exposure of membrane components. These data suggest therefore that membrane glycoproteins may play a functional role in ristocetin-induced aggregation.

Binding Sites↗
PubMed1986

Platelet protein phosphorylation, elevation of cytosolic calcium, and inositol phospholipid breakdown in platelet activation induced by plasmin.

Studies have been performed on the biochemical mechanism of platelet activation induced by the fibrinolytic protease plasmin. In washed human platelets, greater than or equal to 1.0 caseinolytic units (CU/ml plasmin induced aggregation. Platelet [14C]serotonin release was stimulated by 1.0 CU/ml plasmin to an extent comparable to that induced by 1.0 U/ml thrombin. A dose- and time-dependent phosphorylation of the platelet 47,000- and 20,000-kD proteins was noted in 32PO4-labeled platelets incubated with plasmin; phosphorylation was not affected by extracellular Ca2+, but was completely inhibited by an increase in platelet cyclic AMP. Phosphorylation of these platelet proteins suggested that plasmin may act on platelets by stimulating a rise in cytosolic calcium concentration ([Cai2+]) and activating inositol phospholipid-dependent phospholipase C and protein kinase C. Using both quin2 fluorescence and aequorin luminescence as indicators, plasmin was found to elevate platelet [Cai2+] in the presence or absence of extracellular Ca2+. Phospholipase C activation was shown by the generation of [3H]diglyceride in [3H]arachidonic acid-labeled platelets and [32P]phosphatidic acid in 32PO4 labeled platelets exposed to plasmin. Plasmin did not induce formation of thromboxane A2 (TXA2). Only small amounts of this eicosanoid were detected late in the time course after plasmin stimulation. Our results indicate that plasmin causes platelet aggregation and secretion associated with phosphorylation of the 47,000- and 20,000-kD proteins, Ca2+ mobilization, and phospholipase C and protein kinase C activation.

Blood Platelets↗
PubMed2001

Contribution of platelet-derived factor Va to thrombin generation on immobilized collagen- and fibrinogen-adherent platelets.

Adhesion of platelets to immobilized collagen induces the expression of anionic phospholipids, e.g. phosphatidylserine (PS), in the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane of these platelets. In contrast, of the platelets that adhere to immobilized fibrinogen only a small sub-population representing 10 +/- 3% of the total population of the fibrinogen-adherent platelets has exposed PS as probed by annexin V binding. Although the presence of PS is thought to be critical for thrombin generation at the platelet surface, no information is available about the effect of this differential PS exposure on the ability of adherent platelets to support thrombin generation. Perfusion of the fibrinogen- or collagen-adherent platelets with solutions containing factor Xa and prothrombin resulted in thrombin generation that i) increased linear during the first perfusion minutes, ii) was about two-fold faster at collagen-adherent than at fibrinogen-adherent platelets and iii) was for more than 98% restricted to the surface of the adherent platelets. It appeared that the lower thrombin generating capacity of fibrinogen-adherent platelets is not due to a lower overall surface density of PS, but is caused by lower amounts of platelet-bound factor Va. Firstly, in both cases thrombin generation could be completely attenuated with antibodies against human factor Va, and secondly, in the presence of an excess of exogenous plasma-derived factor Va similar initial rates of thrombin formation were measured for collagen- and fibrinogen-adherent platelets. Our findings suggest a unique role for immobilized collagen in maintaining haemostasis.

Blood Platelets↗
PubMed1992

Reduced membrane fluidity and increased glycation of membrane proteins of platelets from diabetic subjects are not associated with increased platelet adherence to glycated collagen.

Platelets could contribute to vascular disease in diabetes through enhanced adherence to collagen exposed in injured vessels. Increased platelet adherence to collagen in diabetes could result from an alteration in platelets and/or platelet hypersensitivity to collagen that has been glycated to a greater extent. In this study, the adherence of platelets from diabetic or control subjects to glycated or nonglycated collagen coated onto glass surfaces was examined. Membrane fluidity of platelets was also determined, since decreased membrane fluidity associated with increased glycation of membrane proteins of platelets from diabetic subjects was shown in a previous study, and decreases in membrane fluidity have been shown by others to increase platelet adhesion. Thirteen diabetic subjects were compared with 13 age-and sex-matched control subjects. Collagen was glycated (9.7 nmol glucose/mg protein) by preincubation for 12 days in glucose-rich medium (500 mmol/L). A control solution of collagen incubated without glucose for the same time had 3.3 nmol glucose/mg protein. There were no differences in the adherence of platelets from diabetic and control subjects to nonglycated and glycated collagen-coated glass. The mean steady-state fluorescence polarization value (0.187 +/- 0.002) in 1.6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene-labeled platelets from diabetic subjects was significantly greater than in platelets from control subjects (0.174 +/- 0.002, p < 0.002); thus membrane fluidity in platelets from the group of diabetic subjects was decreased. The extent of glycation of membrane proteins from diabetic subjects (25.4 +/- 0.5 nmol glucose/mg protein) was significantly greater than from control subjects (20.2 +/- 0.4 nmol glucose/mg protein, p < 0.001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1992

[Analysis of platelet shape change, inositol metabolism, and Ca mobilization in patients with platelet dysfunction].

Agonists-induced platelet shape change, inositol metabolism, and Ca mobilization were investigated in patients with various platelet dysfunctions. The platelet shape change determined by our method revealed that arachidonate-induced platelet shape change was completely defective in patients with cyclo-oxygenase (CO) deficiency (A). STA2-induced platelet shape change was also defective in one of five patients with impaired aggregation to STA2 (B). Thrombin-induced platelet shape change was weak in patients with Bernard-Soulier syndrome. In patient with Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome, the platelets did not respond normally to STA2, arachidonate or PMA. These findings suggested that the determinations of platelet shape change by our method was useful in diagnosing platelet dysfunctions. Inositol metabolism and Ca mobilization in response to thrombin, STA2, or NaF were also investigated in patient A,B, and impaired aggregation to A23187 in patient C. The responses were normal in patient A, suggested that CO activity did not affect them. Inositol metabolism was also normal in patient C, although Ca mobilization in response to A23187 was delayed, and that in response to thrombin was defective in the absence of extracellular Ca2+. This suggests that the patient's platelets have a defective IP3-induced Ca mobilization pathway. STA2 selectively failed to induce IP3 formation and Ca mobilization in patient B, although 3H-labelled thromboxane ligand (3H-U46619) bound to the patient's platelets, normally. These findings suggested that the patient's platelets have a defect in postreceptor signal transduction, especially thromboxane receptor-mediated phospholipase C activation pathway.

Blood Platelet Disorders↗
PubMed2005

[Platelets and platelet microparticles glycoprotein IIb/IIIa complex in patients with unstable angina].

UNLABELLED: Platelet activation is known to play a key role in pathogenesis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Platelet activation leads to increased numbers of glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa complex on the platelet membrane. On the other side antiplatelet therapy in patient with unstable angina can suppress the actions of platelet. THE AIM: To estimate by flow cytometry GP IIb/IIIa expression on the platelets and platelet microparticles membrane. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study involved 21 patients with unstable angina, before (group B1) and after treatment (group B2). All subjects received aspirin, heparin (Clexane) and b-blocker. The control group consisted of 24 healthy subjects. RESULTS: Patients with unstable angina in group B1 were by 12% higher expression of GP IIb/IIIa than control group (62.6 vs 55.1%). In group B2- before treatment- the percentage of platelet expressing GP IIb/IIIa was lower (60.1%) than in the group B1. In both groups, B1 and B2, percentage of platelet microparticles expressions GP IIb/IIIa was elevated 8.5% and it was significantly higher than in the control group (5.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Our study show that patients with unstable angina had a higher expression GP IIb/IIIa on the platelets membrane and elevated percentage of platelet microparticles confirm platelet activation. There was no significantly different in platelet GP IIb/IIIa expression after the antiplatelet therapy in patients with unstable angina.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Platelet large cell ratio in the differential diagnosis of abnormal platelet counts.

Platelet volume indices, estimated by automated blood cell analyzers, are useful in the diagnosis of various conditions with abnormal platelet counts. Platelet count (PLT), Platelet large cell ratio (P-LCR), Platelet distribution width (PDW) and mean platelet volume (MPV) were studied in 779 patients with normal platelet counts, 74 patients with high platelet counts and 41 cases with low platelet counts. P-LCR was significantly decreased in patients with thrombocytosis than in normal while it was increased in thrombocytopenia. In patients with high counts, P-LCR was significantly decreased in reactive thrombocytosis than neoplastic thrombocytosis. P-LCR was increased in destructive thrombocytopenia than those with hypoproliferative thrombocytopenia though it was not statistically significant. P-LCR was inversely related to platelet count and directly related to PDW and MPV. Platelet large cell ratio if properly utilised can be a good aid in the differential diagnosis of conditions associated with abnormal platelet counts.

Blood Platelets↗
PubMed1991

Low molecular weight kininogen binds to platelets to modulate thrombin-induced platelet activation.

The kininogens, high molecular weight kininogen (HK) and low molecular weight kininogen (LK), are multifunctional, single-gene products that contain bradykinin and identical amino-terminal heavy chains. Studies were performed to determine if LK would bind directly to platelets. 125I-LK specifically bound to gel-filtered platelets in the presence of 50 microM Zn2+. HK effectively competed with 125I-LK for the same binding site (Ki = 27 +/- 9 nM, n = 5). Similarly, the Ki for LK inhibition of 125I-LK binding was 12 +/- 1 nM (n = 3). Albumin, fibrinogen, factor XIII, and kallikrein did not inhibit 125I-LK binding to unstimulated platelets. 125I-LK (66 kDa) was not cleaved upon binding to platelets. The binding of 125I-LK to unstimulated platelets was found to be fully reversible by the addition of a 50 molar excess of unlabeled LK at both 10 and 20 min. LK binding to platelets was saturable with an apparent Kd of 27 +/- 2 nM (mean +/- S.E., n = 9) and 647 +/- 147 binding sites/platelet. Both LK and HK at plasma concentrations inhibited thrombin-induced platelet aggregation. LK and HK at about 5% of plasma concentration also inhibited thrombin-induced secretion of both stirred and unstirred platelets. Both kininogens were found to be noncompetitive inhibitors of proteolytically active thrombin binding to platelets. The kininogens did not inhibit D-phenylalanyl-prolyl-arginine chloromethyl ketone-treated thrombin from binding to platelets. These studies indicated that both kininogens have a region on their heavy chain which allows them to bind to platelets. Further, kininogen binding by its heavy chain modulates thrombin activation of platelets since it prevents proteolytically active thrombin from binding to its receptor.

Binding, Competitive↗
PubMed1991

Binding of platelet agglutinating protein p37 from the plasma of a patient with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura to human platelets.

We have previously reported the purification of a 37 kDa platelet agglutinating protein (PAP p37) from the plasma of a patient with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) that was shown to be present in a subset of TTP patients. To gain further insight into the interaction between PAP p37 and platelets, we have studied the properties of PAP p37 binding to platelets. Washed human platelets from two normal donors and two TTP patients after recovery were used for the experiments. The PAP p37 binding to platelets was specific, concentration dependent and saturable. Scatchard analysis demonstrated about 20,564-27,090 PAP p37 binding sites per platelet. Stimulation of platelets with thrombin or ADP did not have any significant effect on its binding. Thiol- and serine-specific protease inhibitors did not inhibit PAP p37 binding to the platelets. Sugars such as glucose, fructose, mannose, and sialic acid, at 40 mM, inhibited its binding to platelets by 44%, 73%, 79%, and 91% respectively, but galactose and amino sugars did not have any significant effect. At 250 micrograms/ml, Concanavalin-A inhibited 42% of binding, but other lectins, such as phytohemagglutinin-P, potato lectin and helix pomatia lectin (snail), did not. Pre-incubation of 125I-PAP p37 with the adult human IgG, decreased its binding to the platelets. The monoclonal antibodies to GP Ib (6D1) and GP IIb-IIIa complex (10E5) did not inhibit the binding of 125I-PAP p37 to platelets. Fibrinogen and von Willebrand factor did not affect the binding either. These results suggest that PAP p37 binds to platelets on the sites other than GP Ib or GP IIb-IIIa complex.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed1987

Shear-induced platelet aggregation requires von Willebrand factor and platelet membrane glycoproteins Ib and IIb-IIIa.

Different types of platelets in various types of plasma were subjected to levels of shear stress that produce irreversible platelet aggregation in normal platelet-rich plasma (PRP). At shear stresses of 90 or 180 dyne/cm2 applied for 30 seconds or five minutes, aggregation was either absent or only transient and reversible using severe von Willebrand's disease (vWD) PRP (less than 1% von Willebrand factor, vWF); Bernard-Soulier syndrome (BSS) PRP (platelets deficient in the membrane glycoprotein Ib, GPIb); normal PRP plus monoclonal antibody (MoAb) to GPIb; thrombasthenic PRP (platelets deficient in membrane glycoprotein IIb-IIIa complex, GPIIb-IIIa); and normal PRP plus MoAb to GPIIb-IIIa. Shear-induced aggregation was inhibited under the above conditions, even though the platelets were activated to release their granular contents. Sheared normal platelets in vWD plasma aggregated in response to added vWF. These studies demonstrate that the formation of stable platelet aggregates under conditions of high shear requires vWF and the availability of both GPIb and GPIIb-IIIa on platelet membranes. The experiments demonstrate that vWF-platelet interactions can occur in the absence of artificial agonists or chemical modification of vWF. They suggest a possible mechanism for platelet aggregation in stenosed or partially obstructed arterial vessels in which the platelets are subjected to relatively high levels of shear stress.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Prevention of platelet alloimmunization in dogs with systemic cyclosporine and by UV-irradiation or cyclosporine-loading of donor platelets.

To study the immunosuppressive effects of three different treatments, 30 dogs received at weekly intervals eight platelet transfusions from a single random donor dog. The three experimental protocols were daily oral cyclosporine (Cs) treatment of recipients; in vitro ultraviolet (UV)-irradiation of donor platelets; and Cs-loading of donor platelets. All nine recipients of Cs, 11/12 (92%) recipients of UV-irradiated platelets, and 5/9 (56%) recipients of Cs-loaded donor platelets remained nonimmunized to repeated transfusions of donor platelets. In contrast, only 3 of 21 untreated controls (14%) were not alloimmunized by donor platelets. Moreover, 44% to 67% of the nonimmunized recipients remained tolerant to continued platelet transfusions from their original donor even after experimental therapy was discontinued. Forty-three percent to 100% of transfusions from secondary donors were also accepted without causing alloimmunization, suggesting that tolerance induced by prior treatment was not specific for the primary donor. However, survival of both the original and secondary donor platelets was reduced to about half the starting level, suggesting that some immune response to platelets had occurred. Also, recipients immunized by their original donor's platelets frequently developed refractoriness to platelets from other donors.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

Use of mean platelet volume improves detection of platelet disorders.

Classification of platelet disorders has been based on the platelet count. Addition of a second variable, mean platelet volume (MPV), to the routine blood count allows classification of patients into 9 categories: high, low, or normal MPV, and high, low or normal platelet count. We studied 1,244 adult inpatients. 1,134 had both platelet values normal. 11 patients had high MPV and low platelet count: all had hyperdestructive causes. 15 patients had high MPV and normal platelet count: 12 had heterozygous thalassemia, and three had iron deficiency. Seven patients had high MPV and high platelet count: causes included myeloproliferative disorders, inflammation, iron deficiency, and splenectomy, 25 patients had high platelet counts and normal MPV: the causes were inflammation, infection, sickle cell anemia, iron deficiency, or chronic myelogenous leukemia. 52 patients had an MPV that was inappropriately low for the platelet count (high, normal, or low). All had sepsis, splenomegaly, aplastic anemia, chronic renal failure, or a disease being treated with myelosuppressive drugs. High MPV thus appears correlated with myeloproliferative disease or thalassemia; and low MPV, with cytotoxic drugs or marrow hypoplasia. Addition of MPV to the platelet count allows subtler disorders to be detected (when the platelet count is normal), and allows distinction of the cause of thrombocytopenia.

Blood Cell Count↗
PubMed1982

Intraglomerular localization of platelet related antigens, platelet factor 4 and beta-thromboglobulin in glomerulonephritis.

We examined renal biopsies from 121 patients with various forms of glomerulonephritis, using antisera against platelet membrane antigens, platelet factor 4, beta-thromboglobulin and fibrinogen using the indirect immunofluorescent technique. Eight biopsies were also studied by electron microscopy for recognizable platelets. Thirty-six of sixty-four (56%) biopsies from patients with severe forms of glomerulonephritis showed some intraglomerular platelet antigen, extensive fluorescence in seventeen (25%). Of forty-six patient with milder, usually non-progressive forms of nephritis, twenty (44%) were positive, but only four (9%) showed extensive fluorescence. Platelets were identified by electron microscopy within the capillary lumina equally in those with positive and negative results for platelet-related antigens. There was no correlation between the presence of fibrin and platelet-related material in the glomeruli, nor between the presence or extent of intraglomerular platelet antigen and simultaneous measurements of intraplatelet serotonin in circulating platelets. However, there was a strong correlation between presence, extent and distribution of platelet-related antigen and platelet factor 4 fluorescence. These studies provide further evidence for the involvement of platelets in some forms of glomerular disease.

Antigens↗
PubMed1984

Platelet cytoskeleton: immunofluorescence studies on ADP and collagen-activated platelets.

Immunofluorescence studies reveal that platelet changes induced by adenosine diphosphate and collagen do not include the reorganization of the cytoskeleton in such a way as to expose actin, alpha-actinin, or vinculin. However, when such platelets were made permeable by saponin, these cytoskeletal proteins were present. In studies with collagen, fluorescence was observed along the fibers at areas of platelet adhesion and where no platelets were seen by phase microscopy. No fluorescence was observed with collagen treated with platelet-poor plasma. Scanning electron microscopy of collagen samples treated with platelet-rich plasma revealed a fibrillar meshwork with single platelets, platelet aggregates, and nodular structures that were smaller in size than individual platelets. These nodular structures may represent remnants of platelets still attached to the collagen after platelet detachment has occurred. These tenacious collagen-platelet membrane-binding sites have associated with them cytoplasmic alpha-actinin and vinculin, proteins that have been proposed by others to anchor actin filaments to the plasma membrane.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗
PubMed1980

Platelet interaction with bacteria. V. Ultrastructure of congenital afibrinogenemic platelets.

Platelets from a patient with congenital afibrinogenemia (CA) were tested in their native plasma for reactivity in vitro to Staphylococcus aureus 502A. Previous studies of the interactions between normal human platelets and this organism have shown rapid irreversible aggregation responses in which the bacteria were regularly trapped between aggregating platelets. Engulfment of microbes by single normal platelets in a process akin to phagocytosis was a very rare occurrence. In contrast, CA platelets showed a delayed aggregation response to contact with this microorganism. The CA platelets were also much more sensitive to the concentration of bacteria than were normal platelets. Electron microscopy showed that individual CA platelets often engulfed the stimulatory organism rather than participating in aggregation. Postfixation staining with a colloidal tracer, lanthanum nitrate, indicated that the bacteria were sequestered in the open canalicular system of the CA platelets in a manner analogous to that previously observed with latex particles. Restoration of normal levels of human fibrinogen to the CA platelet-rich plasma corrected the delay in aggregation but did not eliminate the frequent engulfment of bacteria by the CA platelets. These findings indicate that fibrinogen is an important, although not essential, cofactor in the response of human platelets to contact with this common bacterial pathogen.

Afibrinogenemia↗
PubMed1980

Platelet function and platelet lipid composition in the dyslipoproteinemias.

Blood platelets from eight patients with hyperbetalipoproteinemia (type II) were more reactive to aggregating agents in vitro than those of 13 type IV patients or 12 normal subjects. Platelets of two patients with abeta-lipoproteinemia were also slightly hyperreactive in comparison with normal platelets. However, in one patient with Tangier disease the platelets were distinctly hyporeactive to aggregating agents. Total platelet phospholipid concentration (PL) was elevated in the four groups of patients studied but was highest in the platelets of type IV patients. Platelet-free cholesterol (FC) was significantly higher than normal in all of the dyslipoproteinemias studied. The FC was highest in the two patients with abetalipoproteinemia. The FC/PL molar ratio was normal in all but the abeta-lipoproteinemic patients, in whom it was markedly elevated. Therefore, there is no apparent correlation between FC/PL molar ratio and platelet behavior in vitro. Analysis of individual platelet phospholipids in the four patient groups showed that platelets in Tangier disease had very low concentrations of lysolecithin and phosphatidylinositol (PI) in comparison with normal platelets and the other disease states. Our findings suggest that lysolecithin and phosphatidylinositol may be involved in the structure or function of the sites which modulate platelet response to aggregating agents.

Abetalipoproteinemia↗
PubMed1980

Platelet sialic acid and platelet survival after aggregation by ADP.

Some investigators have reported recently that platelet surface sialic acid is decreased during ADP-induced aggregation, whereas others have reported an increase. Since removal of sialic acid from the platelet surface shortens platelet survival, we have determined the survival of platelets that have been aggregatad by ADP. We have also measured the amount of sialic acid in the suspending fluid of platelets after ADP-induced aggregation. ADP-induced aggregation did not cause the loss of sialic acid from rabbit platelets (which do not undergo a release reaction in response to ADP) nor from washed human platelets in a medium containing physiologic concentrations of calcium in which granule contents are not released. In a medium without added calcium, ADP caused the release of 14C-serotonin (42.5% +/- 3%) from human platelets, but less than 4% of the sialic-acid-containing material was released. It seems likely that little of the releasable sialic acid of platelets is in the dense granules or the alpha-granules. Thrombin (5 U/ml) released 90.0% +/- 3.4% of the serotonin from human platelets but only 20.6% +/- 7.4% of the total sialic-acid-containing material. Neuraminidase removed 42.3% of the total sialic acid, presumably from the platelet surface. Rabbit platelets that had been aggregated by ADP and deaggregated survived normally when returned to the circulation. This observation also provides evidence that they had not lost membrane sialic acid during aggregation and deaggregation.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗