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Platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor antagonist (abciximab) inhibited platelet activation and promoted skin flap survival after ischemia/reperfusion injury.

BACKGROUND: Evidence has shown that platelets play an important role in the pathogenesis of flap failure. Employing a rat inferior epigastric artery skin flap as a flap reperfusion injury model, we investigated whether platelet activation was involved in the skin flap failure and whether administration of abciximab (ReoPro, chimeric 7E3 Fab) could decrease platelet activation/aggregation and promote flap survival. METHODS: Normal saline and abciximab (0.06 mg/kg; 0.2 mg/kg; 1 mg/kg) were injected intravenously into skin flaps 30 min before reperfusion and 1 h after reperfusion (each subgroup n = 6). Platelet activation as demonstrated by P-selectin (CD62P) was analyzed by flow cytometry. P-selectin expression on flap vessels was detected by immunohistochemical staining. Platelet aggregation was induced with adenosine diphosphate (ADP). Laser Doppler flowmetry monitored tissue perfusion. The surviving area was evaluated 7 days postoperatively. RESULTS: CD62P progressively increased after reperfusion. The peak CD62P occurred after reperfusion for 12 h. Immunohistochemical staining showed CD62P significantly deposited on the endothelium after reperfusion. Administration of abciximab (1 mg/kg) effectively improved flap survival rate (P = 0.003), significantly decreased ADP-induced platelet aggregation (P < 0.001), and suppressed CD62P expression on blood platelets (P = 0.002) and its deposition on the flap vessels. CONCLUSION: Abciximab promotion of skin flap survival is due to blocked platelet activation/aggregation and decreased activated-platelet deposition on the vascular endothelium. Thus, administration of a platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor antagonist such as abciximab may save the skin flap from reperfusion injury after a long period of ischemia.

Abciximab↗

Importance of fibrinogen and platelet membrane glycoprotein IIb/IIIa in shear-induced platelet aggregation.

The mechanism of shear-induced platelet aggregation was investigated using a polycarbonate cone and plate viscometer. After exposed to shear stress of 54-90 dyne/cm2 for 2 min. at 37 degrees C, platelets aggregated without a significant amount of serotonin release and lactic dehydrogenase leakage from platelets. Under this conditions, platelets from 2 patients with thrombasthenia and a patient with congenital afibrinogenemia failed to aggregate. When fibrinogen was added to platelet rich plasma from a patient with afibrinogenemia, shear-induced platelet aggregation occurred at the same extent of aggregation as observed in normal platelets. Shear-induced platelet aggregation was inhibited by monoclonal antibody to GPIIb/IIIa (1 microgram/ml) and synthetic peptide, Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser (RGDS) (1 mM). Apyrase and hirudin showed no effect on this aggregation. Indomethacin (100 microM) and thromboxane A2 synthetase inhibitor, OKY-046 (100 microM) markedly inhibited aggregation, while thromboxane A2 competitive inhibitor, ONO-3708 (100 microM) exhibited only partial inhibition. These results indicate that fibrinogen and GPIIb/IIIa are important for shear-induced platelet aggregation and that the induction of fibrinogen receptor on GPIIb/IIIa may partially depend upon thromboxane A2 synthesis in platelets.

Afibrinogenemia↗

Response to platelet-activating factor in human platelets stored and aged in plasma. Decrease in aggregation, phosphoinositide turnover, and receptor affinity.

Human platelet concentrates were stored in polyolefin bags at 22 to 24 degrees C on a horizontal shaker for up to 8 days. At different intervals, aliquots of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) were removed aseptically and five variables, i.e., platelet counts, morphology, platelet-activating factor (PAF)-stimulated aggregation, phosphoinositide turnover, and [3H]PAF binding to platelet receptors, were studied. The number of platelets did not change during the 8 days of storage. Scanning electron microscopy of the platelets revealed a gradual morphologic change from biconcave flat discs to irregular, crenated forms. The PAF-induced aggregation of platelets declined with time of storage. A decrease to 50 percent of the Day 1 aggregatory response to PAF was evident on Day 2, and there was a further decline to about 20 percent by Day 6. Similarly, PAF receptor-coupled phosphoinositide turnover, as monitored by 32P incorporation into individual phosphoinositides, decreased dramatically with storage. After 2 to 3 days of storage, the phosphoinositide turnover was reduced to 50 percent of the original response, and it continued to decline to about 25 percent of original response by Day 5 or 6. The binding of [3H]PAF to washed human platelets indicated subtle changes between Days 2 and 4, which became more noticeable by Day 6. These results have raised the possibility of changes in the number of the receptors and/or their affinity for the ligand during storage. We conclude that although the number of platelets was maintained during storage for 8 days, a general deterioration of their responses to PAF occurred at the levels of cell surface receptor, transmembrane signaling (phosphoinositide turnover), and response (aggregation).

Binding, Competitive↗

c7E3 Fab inhibits low shear flow modulated platelet adhesion to endothelium and surface-absorbed fibrinogen by blocking platelet GP IIb/IIIa as well as endothelial vitronectin receptor--results from patients with acute myocardial infarction and healthy controls.

The c7E3 Fab reduces ischemic complications in patients undergoing high-risk coronary angioplasty or atherectomy. The present study investigated how c7E3 Fab inhibition of the platelet receptor glycoprotein IIb/IIIa and the endothelial vitronectin receptor affected platelet adhesion to endothelium and surface adsorbed fibrinogen under flow conditions. Platelet adhesion was examined using a stagnation point flow device with shear stress and shear rates up to 2.2 dynes/cm2 and 170 s(-1), respectively. Ex vivo adhesion was compared between two groups of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) treated with angioplasty and stent implantation and a group of healthy controls. Only one AMI group received c7E3 Fab therapy. Patients in both groups were administered acetyl salicylic acid (ASA) and heparin. In AMI patients c7E3 Fab reduced platelet adhesion to adsorbed fibrinogen by 79% compared to AMI patients without c7E3 Fab treatment and by 74% compared to healthy controls. Thirty hours after termination of c7E3 Fab infusion adhesion had slightly recovered with an inhibition of 61% and 52% still present, respectively. Additionally, in vitro platelet adhesion to intact endothelium and to adsorbed fibrinogen was measured during superfusion with ADP stimulated platelet rich plasma of healthy controls to which c7E3 Fab was added at a final concentration fc of 20 microg/ml. In spite of ADP stimulation c7E3 Fab completely blocked platelet adhesion to adsorbed fibrinogen and, moreover, to intact endothelium. Preincubation of endothelial cells with c7E3 (fc = 20 [microg/ml) blocked adhesion of ADP-stimulated platelets by approximately 50%. Apart from the inhibition of platelet aggregation, c7E3 Fab added in vitro and given therapeutically in patients effectively blocks platelet adhesion to components of the injured as well as intact vessel wall under stagnation point flow conditions.

Abciximab↗

[Activation of platelet-neutrophil mediated by platelet-activating factor].

To investigate the pathophysiological mechanisms for platelet-neutrophils cross talk mediated by platelet-activating factor (PAF) and to lay a foundation for clinical application, ginkgolides B (GB), a PAF receptor antagonist, was added in the whole blood to block the effects of PAF on activation of platelet-neutrophil; PAF and ADP were respectively added in the whole blood to monitor the expression of CD62P on platelet by flow cytometry; PAF and ADP were added in the whole blood to monitor the expression of CD11b on neutrophil by flow cytometry; PAF and ADP were added in the whole blood to monitor the platelet-leucocyte aggregates (PLA) which were PLA in the total leucocyte population (PLA/L) and the mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of CD42b. Outcomes were analyzed by t-test, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The results showed that the expression of CD62P on platelats, the expression of CD11b on neutrophils and PLA formation were all increased by PAF and ADP; the PAF receptor antagonists (GB) could obviously inhibit the expression of CD62P, CD11b and PLA formation induced by PAF, but could not completely inhibit the activation of platelet and neutrophil, and the platelet-neutrophil cross talk; GB could inhibit the expression of CD62P and CD11b induced by ADP, but could not conpletely inhibit the activation of platelet and neutrophli; GB could not obviously inhibit the platelet-leucocyte aggregates mediated by ADP. It is concluded that the multiligand-receptor systems involved in PLA formation and platelet-netrophils cross talk seem to be regulated by complex mechanisms; the PAF receptor antagonists (GB) obviously inhibit the effect of PAF, and may be widely utilized in the therapy of thrombosis and inflammation.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

Regulation of the activity of platelet-bound C3 convertase of the alternative pathway of complement by platelet factor H.

The alternative pathway of complement is regulated on the surface of homologous blood cells at the C3 amplification step by the membrane protein decay-accelerating factor, as well as by the plasma protein factor H. We have reported elsewhere that platelets from patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria regulate the activity of the C3 convertase C3bBb, even though they lack decay-accelerating factor. We now report that normal human platelets contain factor H, which was released from the platelet in response to complement deposition or thrombin stimulation. Factor H was localized to the platelet alpha granules by immunocytochemical techniques. As determined by a solid-phase radioimmunoassay, thrombin-stimulated platelets released approximately equal to 54 ng of factor H per 10(8) platelets. The release of factor H in response to complement or thrombin was inhibited by treating the platelets with metabolic inhibitors. Such inhibition resulted in a 3-fold increase in the activity of C3bBb. Platelets that released factor H bound only half as many molecules of radiolabeled factor B to platelet-bound C3b than platelets that could not release factor H. Treatment of platelets with anti-decay-accelerating factor antibody had no effect on the activity of C3bBb unless the release of factor H was blocked. Therefore, so far as we know, human platelets have a unique mechanism for the regulation of the alternative pathway of complement.

Complement Activating Enzymes↗

Docosahexaenoic acid and docosapentanoic acid incorporation into human platelets after 24 and 72 hours: inhibitory effects on platelet reactivity.

Short-term in vitro platelet membrane lipid enrichment studies and feeding trials of human subjects with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have shown a decreased reactivity in the platelet response to collagen. In this study, exogenous albumin-bound n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), namely EPA, DHA and docosapentanoic acid (DPA) were added to platelet suspensions and maintained at 22 degrees C for 24 and 72 hours. Subsequently, the aggregation response to agonist stimulation and the morphological appearance of the platelets were evaluated. A significant enrichment of platelet phospholipids (PL) in n-3 fatty acids occurred upon incubation with n-3 PUFAs in vitro, which was accompanied by a decrease in the aggregation response to collagen and preservation of platelet morphology compared with non-supplemented control platelet preparations. The inhibitory effect of the n-3 PUFAs appeared to be surface mediated in the case of DHA and DPA because the platelet response to agonist returned when the fatty acids were removed by washing. The platelet aggregation response after storage at 22 degrees C was also evaluated in platelet suspensions collected from healthy individuals before and after 42 days of dietary supplementation with seal oil, rich in DPA and DHA. Unlike the in vitro supplementation, in vivo modification and enrichment of platelet PLs by ingestion of seal oil did not appear to improve platelet function during storage relative to the placebo group.

Journal Article↗

Inhibitory effect of glyburide on thrombin-induced platelet aggregation and phosphoinositide metabolism in normal human platelets.

We previously reported the effects of diet, sulphonylureas or insulin on thrombin-induced platelet aggregation, phosphoinositide metabolism and protein phosphorylation in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) patients. To clarify the mechanism of glyburide and insulin on platelet function, here we studied the in vitro effects of glyburide and insulin on thrombin-induced metabolic changes using normal human platelets. Platelet aggregation stimulated with <0.5 U/ml thrombin, 0.75-3 microM adenosine diphosphate (ADP) or 1 microg/ml collagen was significantly lower in glyburide-treated platelets, but not in insulin-treated platelets, than in untreated ones (control). Thrombin-induced incorporation of 32P radioactivity into phosphatidic acid (PA) in glyburide-treated platelets was lower than that in control but not in insulin-treated platelets. Phosphorylated proteins of platelets induced by thrombin and 12- O -tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA) in glyburide-treated platelets were suppressed, but not in insulin-treated platelets, compared with control. These results suggest that glyburide induces suppression of thrombin-induced activation of phospholipase C, which mediates hydrolysis of PIP and PIP(2) and production of PA, and subsequently inhibits platelet aggregation.

Journal Article↗

The effects of amrinone, cyclophosphamide and anti-platelet serum on platelet production in the Gunn rat.

The effect of amrinone on platelet production was differentiated from that of a known bone-marrow cytotoxic agent (cyclophosphamide) and anti-platelet serum (APS). The rate of platelet production has been observed over a 4-day period in the Gunn rat using [75Se]selenomethionine cohort labelling of platelets following administration of either amrinone, 160 mg kg-1 day-1, cyclophosphamide, 30 mg kg-1 day-1 or APS, 0.75 ml. Platelet numbers were reduced by amrinone, cyclophosphamide and APS. The rate of platelet production was increased following APS and suppressed by cyclophosphamide, but the rate of platelet production when expressed as the selenomethionine incorporation in counts per minute (cpm) per 10(8) platelets appeared to be increased in amrinone-treated animals. When these values are expressed as radioactivity per unit platelet volume the difference between the control and the amrinone-treated group was reduced but the difference between the control, APS- and cyclophosphamide-treated groups remained unchanged. It is concluded that in the Gunn rat amrinone affects platelet production by producing fewer, larger platelets.

Amrinone↗

Role of platelet factor Xa in chylomicron-prothrombin complexes induced platelet activation.

The effects of chylomicron-prothrombin complexes on platelet activation, including platelet aggregation, serotonin release, arachidonic acid release and increases of platelet cytosolic [Ca2+]i were examined. Furthermore the role of platelet factor Xa on the conversion of chylomicron bound prothrombin to thrombin was studied by using a synthetic inhibitor of factor Xa, TenStop. The chylomicron-prothrombin complexes could induce platelet aggregation and enhance the platelet serotonin release and arachidonic acid release in contrast to native chyle chylomicrons. An increase of platelet [Ca2+]i was observed during incubation with chylomicron-prothrombin complexes. TenStop inhibited platelet aggregation and serotonin release that were induced by chylomicron-prothrombin complexes in a dose-dependent manner, whereas the TenStop itself did not inhibit the platelet aggregation induced by thrombin and collagen. It is concluded that platelet activation induced by chylomicron-prothrombin complexes is related to the platelet factor Xa that could be the key factor in the conversion of chylomicron bound prothrombin to thrombin.

Animals↗

A novel anti-platelet monoclonal antibody induces mouse platelet aggregation through an Fc receptor-independent mechanism.

Platelets are nonproliferative and terminally differentiated cells. Platelets offer an attractive model system to study the various biochemical events leading to structural and functional alterations in activated cells. When platelets are exposed to stimuli, they are activated, undergo a dramatic shape change, adhere to each other, and aggregate. Several monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that recognize CD9, GPIIb/IIIa (alpha IIb beta 3 intergrins), or GPIV are known to stimulate human platelet aggregation. However, no mAbs able to induce aggregation of mouse platelets have been reported. We have established an anti-mouse platelet mAb (AIP21) that can promote mouse platelet aggregation by itself. Because mouse platelets did not express the Fc receptor (FcR, CD32) on their surfaces and because AIP21 is an IgM subclass, AIP21 might promote platelet aggregation through an FcR-independent mechanism. We could not identify the antigen recognized by AIP21, but flow cytometric analysis revealed that it was not identical to CD9, GPIV, or integrins (i.e., alpha IIb, alpha v, alpha 5, alpha 6, beta 1, and beta 3 integrins). During the aggregation of mouse platelets mediated by AIP21, several 50-68-kDa proteins are rapidly phosphorylated at tyrosine residues. This phosphorylation by AIP21 was dose-dependent and did not require plasma components. We identified the 52-kDa phosphorylated protein as Shc. These results indicate that AIP21 could be useful for investigating the mechanisms of mouse platelet aggregation.

Animals↗

The effect of conjugated linoleic acid on platelet function, platelet fatty acid composition, and blood coagulation in humans.

Despite extensive research on conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) showing multiple beneficial effects in animal models, little is known about the role of dietary CLA in human health. To investigate if the beneficial effects of CLA seen in animal models are relevant to humans, we conducted a study with 17 healthy female volunteers who lived in the Metabolic Research Unit of the Western Human Nutrition Research Center for 93 d. This paper reports only the results from this study that are related to the effects of CLA supplementation on blood coagulation, platelet function, and platelet fatty acid composition. Throughout the study, the subjects were fed a low-fat diet (30 en% fat, 19 en% protein, and 51 en% carbohydrate) consisting of natural foods with the recommended dietary allowances for all known nutrients. After a 30-d stabilization period, subjects were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (n = 10) whose diet was supplemented with 3.9 g/d of CLA or a control group (n = 7) who received an equivalent amount of sunflower oil consisting of 72.6% linoleic acid with no detectable CLA. Platelet aggregation was measured in platelet-rich plasma using adenosine diphosphate, collagen, and arachidonic acid agonists. No statistical difference was detected between the amount of agonist required to produce 50% aggregation of platelet-rich plasma before and after the subjects consumed the CLA, with the exception of a decrease in response to collagen. This decrease was found in both control and intervention groups with no significant difference between the groups, suggesting that both linoleic acid (sunflower oil) and CLA might have similar effects on platelet function. The prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, and the antithrombin III levels in the subjects were determined. Again, there was no statistically significant difference in these three parameters when pre- and post-CLA consumption values were compared. The in vivo bleeding times were also unaffected by CLA supplementation (10.4 + 2.8 min pre- and 10.2 + 1.6 min postconsumption). Platelet fatty acid composition was not markedly influenced by the consumption of dietary CLA, although there was a small increase in the amount of the 9 cis,11 trans-18:2 isomer normally present in platelets after feeding CLA for 63 days. In addition, small amounts of the 8 trans,10 cis-18:2 and the 10 trans,12 cis-18:2 isomers were detected in the platelets along with traces of some of the other isomers. Thus, when compared to sunflower oil, the blood-clotting parameters and in vitro platelet aggregation showed that adding 3.9 g/d of dietary CLA to a typical Western diet for 63 d produces no observable physiological change in blood coagulation and platelet function in healthy adult females. Short-term consumption of CLA does not seem to exhibit antithrombotic properties in humans.

Adult↗

The effect of the menstrual cycle and of decompression stress on arachidonic acid-induced platelet aggregation and on intrinsic platelet thromboxane production in women compared with men.

Menstrual cycle variations in platelet aggregation and thromboxane production in association with sex steroids have been reported. External stimuli such as decompression sickness have been associated with clotting activity changes, specifically, increased platelet aggregation. Differences in response of platelets from women and men, when subjected to such a stress, have been observed. This study evaluated the ability of washed platelets from women in the proliferative and secretory phases of the menstrual cycle to aggregate in response to arachidonic acid and the aggregation difference between washed platelets from women and men in response to decompression stress and arachidonic acid. Additionally, platelet thromboxane production differences between the assessed platelet populations were compared. Our results indicate no difference in platelet aggregability between phases of the menstrual cycle. A significant aggregation difference between platelets from women and men was noted. Platelets from women were more sensitive to arachidonic acid aggregation. These differences were not affected by decompression stress. No difference in thromboxane B2 production was noted between the platelet populations evaluated.

Adult↗

Platelet-activating factor (PAF)-induced platelet aggregation. Modulation by plasma adenosine and methylxanthines.

This study examined the role of plasma adenosine in the modulation of platelet-activating factor (PAF) activity on platelet aggregation and serotonin (5-HT) release in human platelet-rich plasma (PRP). In addition, the effects of methylxanthines (e.g. theophylline and caffeine) were studied on PAF-induced platelet aggregation in PRP isolated from blood samples from healthy subjects. Also, PAF-induced platelet aggregation was examined in PRP samples of patients receiving theophylline treatment. These studies demonstrate that plasma adenosine levels (0.1 to 0.3 microM) play a key role in negative modulation of PAF activity on platelet aggregation and 5-HT release. After depletion of plasma adenosine, the platelet-aggregating activity of PAF was increased greatly (> 10-fold). PAF at concentrations of 0.1 to 12 microM caused no 5-HT release in PRP containing normal amounts of adenosine (blood collected in the presence of 2'-deoxycoformycin and dilazep), whereas PAF at 0.1 microM caused 5-HT release (45%) in adenosine-depleted PRP, demonstrating that plasma adenosine is much more inhibitory of 5-HT release than platelet aggregation. The adenosine antagonists theophylline (50 microM), caffeine (50 microM) and a xanthine derivative, 3,7-dimethyl-l-propargylxanthine (DMPX, 10 microM) (a more specific adenosine A2 receptor antagonist), potentiated PAF activity on platelet aggregation in PRP samples containing adenosine. Also, patients receiving theophylline treatments showed significantly greater platelet aggregation induced by PAF in their PRP samples. PAF induced a rapid increase (80% in 15 sec) in intracellular Ca2+ mobilization, which was strongly inhibited by adenosine (IC50, 0.3 microM). Our studies suggest that agents that can increase plasma adenosine levels (e.g. inhibitors of adenosine uptake and adenosine metabolism) or methylxanthines may be useful in altering (inhibiting or enhancing, respectively) PAF actions on platelets and other tissues.

Adenosine↗

Storage of apheresis platelets in ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer bags: relationship between the bag size and the number of platelets maintaining aerobic metabolism.

The present study was designed to determine whether a bag made from ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EV) with superior flexibility at subzero temperature is suitable for a storage container of single-donor apheresis platelets. Apheresis platelets were stored with 100 ml plasma in 1-liter bags made of EV or standard polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic at 22 degrees C with constant agitation. The oxygen permeability of the 1-liter EV bag averaged 1447 nmol/min/atm, which was about 1.5 times higher than that of PVC bags. The partial oxygen tension (PO2) of platelet concentrates (PC) has linearly decreased to 16 mm Hg with increasing platelet counts. The level of the partial carbon dioxide was always higher in EV bags than in PVC bags. Oxygen consumption rates of platelets stored in EV and PVC bags with a sufficient oxygen supply averaged 1.25 and 1.20 nmol/min/10(9) platelets, respectively. The rates of glucose consumption and lactate production were not changed in two bags. Ninety percent of the total ATP production of about 8 nmol/min/10(9) platelets were generated through the aerobic metabolism. The platelet counts in the 1-liter EV and PVC bags, at which PO2 is 16 mm Hg, were 2.2 and 1.5 x 10(11) platelets, respectively. The study indicates that apheresis platelets stored in EV bags at 22 degrees C have no different metabolic changes when compared with those of PVC bags. In addition, the number of platelets maintaining the aerobic metabolism is 1.5 times higher than that of PVC bags.

Blood Component Removal↗

Intralipid infusion into humans reduces in vitro platelet aggregation and alters platelet lipid composition.

Intralipid (Kabi Vitrum Inc, Alameda, CA) infusion into normal volunteers results in substantial elevation in serum triglyceride, phospholipids, and free cholesterol concentrations. Platelet aggregation induced in vitro in platelet-rich plasma by collagen or ADP was significantly reduced by up to 40% and 45%, respectively, during the infusion period but returned to preinfusion levels 18 hours after the end of the infusion. In parallel, platelet lipid composition was also affected. Platelet free cholesterol content was reduced by up to 20% during the infusion of Intralipid, whereas platelet triglyceride and phospholipid contents increased by 3.5-fold and twofold, respectively. Eighteen hours after the end of the infusion, both platelet cholesterol and triglyceride returned to preinfusion levels, but platelet phospholipid was still elevated. Both components of Intralipid (liposomes and triglyceride-phospholipid particles) were able to decrease in vitro platelet aggregation and platelet cholesterol content. Our results demonstrate decreased platelet function induced by Intralipid infusion into humans, which was associated with reduced platelet cholesterol content. These results suggest possible antiatherogenic effects of infusing Intralipid in humans.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

Electron microscopic study of platelet agglutination induced by thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura plasma containing 37-KDa platelet agglutinating protein.

It has been demonstrated that plasma from a patient with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and 37-KDa platelet-agglutinating protein (PAP p37) purified from the same plasma caused the agglutination of platelets from normal subjects as well as from the same patient after recovery without the requirement of extracellular Ca++ and fibrinogen. Experiments were designed to study the morphologic changes of platelets as a result of agglutination and the distribution of platelet receptors for PAP p37 under transmission electron microscope. Following incubation with TTP plasma or PAP p37 with stirring, platelets showed shape change, pseudopod formation, variable degrees of degranulation, dilatation of open canalicular systems and formation of agglutinates composed of a few to several hundred platelets. After platelets were incubated with TTP plasma or PAP p37 they were washed and further incubated with rabbit anti-PAP p37 serum without stirring followed by immuno-staining. Abundant electron dense reaction products were bound directly and randomly to the outer surface of the membrane of solitary platelets. When the reaction mixture was stirred, electron dense particles were also present between the platelet membranes in the agglutinates. No staining was observed in control experiments using normal plasma or non-immune rabbit serum. These results indicate that the TTP plasma containing PAP p37 causes agglutination, shape change, and variable degrees degranulation in platelets and that PAP p37 binds randomly to the outer surface of platelet membrane.

Blood Platelets↗

Evidence that plasma fibrinogen and platelet membrane GPIIb-IIIa are involved in the adhesion of platelets to an artificial surface exposed to plasma.

We investigated the molecular mechanism(s) by which platelets adhere to an artificial surface exposed to plasma, using polystyrene microtiter plates pretreated with plasma. Washed platelets labelled with 51Cr were incubated with the plates under static conditions. Prostaglandin E1(PGE1) was added to the platelets to prevent platelet-platelet interactions. Adhesion required the presence of a divalent cation such as Mg++ or Ca++. Polyclonal anti-fibrinogen antibody inhibited adhesion by 70%. Polyclonal antibodies against fibronectin, vitronectin, von Willebrand's Factor, and the Fc portion of human IgG, had no effect on adhesion. Platelets adhered normally to a surface pretreated with plasma from a patient with severe von Willebrand's disease. No platelet adhesion occurred when the surface was pretreated with an afibrinogenemic plasma. Monoclonal antibodies against platelet membrane GPIIb-IIIa, potent inhibitors of ADP-induced fibrinogen binding to platelets, completely inhibited adhesion. Monoclonal antibodies against the GPIb alpha subunit and GPIc(VLA alpha 5) showed no inhibitory effects on adhesion. Platelets from a patient with Glanzmann's thrombasthenia (type I) did not adhere to the surface pretreated with normal plasma. These results suggest that plasma fibrinogen adsorbed onto the surface and that platelet membrane glycoprotein(GP)IIb-IIIa were responsible for adhesion in an activation-independent manner.

Adsorption↗