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Analysis of platelet cytoskeleton assembly during platelet activation in Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome and thrombasthenia.

Time course change of the platelet cytoskeletal protein component in the Triton X-100 insoluble fraction after stimulation was analyzed in Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome and thrombasthenia. In Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome (HPS), a 31 kDa protein, myosin, actin, and a 100 kDa protein assembled as in the normal platelets at the shape change and release reaction phases after ADP or collagen stimulation, suggesting that, the deficient dense granule content do not lead to an abnormal platelet cytoskeletal protein assembly. In thrombasthenia (Type I), myosin increased at the shape change and release reaction phases as it does in normal platelets, but actin and the 100 kDa protein increased only at the initial activation phase, and then subsequently decreased to the level of the resting phase. The actin-binding protein (ABP) and the 31 kDa protein increased a little following stimulation. Similar cytoskeletal protein change after stimulation were found in normal platelets which were prevented from the aggregation process by chelating the external Ca2+ or by using synthetic decapeptide of fibrinogen gamma-chain of carboxyl terminus. The decreased platelet cytoskeletal protein assembly in thrombasthenia or in platelets stimulated without aggregation, was derived from a loss of the platelet aggregation process due to the defect of GP IIb-IIIa complex or an interaction failure between GP IIb-IIIa complex and fibrinogen. The interaction between platelets and either fibrinogen or fibrin can induce a more stable platelet cytoskeletal protein assembly, however, agonistic stimulation without these interactions cannot do it directly.

Actins↗

Anti-platelet effects of isocarbacyclin methyl ester on human and rabbit platelets in vitro.

Anti-platelet effects of isocarbacyclin methyl ester (CAS 88931-51-5, TEI-9090) and of its free acid form, TEI-7165 (CAS 88911-35-7) were compared with those of prostaglandin (PG) I2 and PGE1. TEI-9090 and TEI-7165 dose-dependently inhibited human and rabbit platelet aggregation and human platelet adhesion in vitro. The IC50 values of TEI-9090, TEI-7165, PGI2, and PGE1 against ADP-induced human (rabbit) platelet aggregation were 22.90 (25.00) ng/ml, 2.78 (6.46) ng/ml, 1.67 (3.34) ng/ml, and 19.91 (8.32) ng/ml, respectively; and those against human platelet adhesion were 3.47 ng/ml, 0.13 ng/ml, 0.25 ng/ml, and 1.45 ng/ml, respectively. TTC-909, a product incorporating TEI-9090 in lipid microspheres, had an aggregation inhibitory effect similar to that of TEI-9090 in human platelets. The aggregation inhibitory effect of TEI-9090 and TTC-909 increased with incubation time, and reached a level similar to that of TEI-7165. In contrast, the aggregation inhibitory effect of TEI-7165 remained constant for 120 min, whereas that of PGI2 decreased with time. TEI-9090 and TEI-7165 also enhanced the disaggregation of human platelets at nearly the same concentration as they exerted their inhibitory effect on aggregation. The order of anti-platelet activities, compared at each optimum incubation point, were PGI2 approximately equal to TEI-7165 approximately equal to TEI-9090 (approximately equal to TTC-909) > PGE1 in human and rabbit platelets. These results indicate that TEI-9090 (TTC-909) and its active metabolite, TEI-7165, may be a potent anti-platelet drug.

Animals↗

Antiplatelet efficacy of XV459, a novel nonpeptide platelet GPIIb/IIIa antagonist: comparative platelet binding profiles with c7E3.

Recent advances in the development of i.v. platelet glycoprotein alphaIIb/beta3 integrin (GPIIb/IIIa) antagonists led to the development of either a class of small-molecular-weight antagonists with a short to ultra-short duration of antiplatelet effects (Integrelin, Tirofiban, DMP728) or a very long-acting antagonist (ReoPro). Thus the present study was undertaken to characterize the antiplatelet efficacy of a small-molecule GPIIb/IIIa antagonist, DMP754/XV459, and to determine its platelet GPIIb/IIIa receptor binding profiles. DMP754, upon its conversion with esterases to its free acid form XV459, and XV459 itself, demonstrated high potency (IC50 = 0.030-0.060 microM) in inhibiting human platelet aggregation induced by ADP (100 microM), thrombin receptor agonist peptide (10 microM) or collagen (20 microgram/ml) in citrate or heparin. Maximal platelet aggregation inhibition was achieved at 50 to >/=80% receptor occupancy, depending on the agonist used. Both XV459 and c7E3 bind with high affinity to either activated human platelets (Kd = 0.0008 and 0.0091 microM, respectively) or unactivated human platelets (Kd = 0.0025 and 0.0092 microM, respectively). XV459 demonstrated tight association with human, baboon and (to a lesser extent) canine platelets (t1/2 of dissociation = 7 +/- 0, 8 +/- 1 and 1.4 +/- 0.1 minutes, respectively). Both c7E3 and XV459 associate tightly with slower dissociation rates to unactivated human platelets. XV459 represents a potent antiplatelet agent in inhibiting platelet aggregation along with offering high affinity and a relatively slow dissociation rate from human platelet GPIIb/IIIa receptors that might allow for once-a-day p.o. dosage.

Amino Acids↗

Rapid in vitro biocompatibility assay of endovascular stents by flow cytometry using platelet activation and platelet-leukocyte aggregation.

Clinical studies suggest that stent design and surface texture are responsible for differences in biocompatibility of metallic endovascular stents. A simple in vitro experimental setup was established to test stent-induced degree of platelet and leukocyte activation and platelet-leukocyte aggregation by flow cytometry. Heparin-coated tantalum stents and gold-coated and uncoated stainless steel stents were tested. Stents were implanted into silicone tubes and exposed to blood from healthy volunteers. Platelet and leukocyte activation and percentage of leukocyte-platelet aggregates were determined in a whole-blood assay by subsequent staining for activation-associated antigens (CD41a, CD42b, CD62p, and fibrinogen binding) and leukocyte antigens (CD14 and CD45) and flow cytometric analysis. Blood taken directly after venous puncture or exposed to the silicone tube alone was used as negative controls. Positive control was in vitro stimulation with thrombin receptor activating peptide (TRAP-6). Low degree of platelet activation and significant increase in monocyte- and neutrophil-platelet aggregation were observed in blood exposed to stents (P < 0.05). In addition, leukocyte activation was induced as measured by increased CD45 and CD14 expression. Heparin coated stents continuously induced less platelet activation and leukocyte-platelet aggregation than uncoated stainless steel stents of the same length and shorter stents of the same structure. Stent surface coating and texture plays a role in platelet and leukocyte activation and leukocyte-platelet aggregation. Using this simple in vitro assay and whole blood and flow cytometry, it seems possible to differentiate stents by their potency to activate platelets and/or leukocytes. This assay could be applied for improving the biocompatibility of coronary stents.

Adult↗

The role of adsorbed fibrinogen in platelet adhesion to polyurethane surfaces: a comparison of surface hydrophobicity, protein adsorption, monoclonal antibody binding, and platelet adhesion.

Ten specially synthesized polyurethanes (PUs) were used to investigate the effects of surface properties on platelet adhesion. Surface composition and hydrophilicity, fibrinogen (Fg) and von Willebrand's factor (vWf) adsorption, monoclonal anti-Fg binding, and platelet adhesion were measured. PUs preadsorbed with afibrinogenemic plasma or serum exhibited very low platelet adhesion, while adhesion after preadsorption with vWf deficient plasma was not reduced, showing that Fg is the key plasma protein mediating platelet adhesion under static conditions. Platelet adhesion to the ten PUs after plasma preadsorption varied greatly, but was only partially consistent with Fg adsorption. Thus, while very hydrophilic PU copolymers containing PEG that had ultralow Fg adsorption also had very low platelet adhesion, some of the more hydrophobic PUs had relatively high Fg adsorption but still exhibited lower platelet adhesion. To examine why some PUs with high Fg adsorption had lower platelet adhesion, three monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that bind to sites in Fg thought to mediate platelet adhesion were used. The antibodies were: M1, specific to gamma-chain C-terminal; and R1 and R2, specific to RGD containing regions in the alpha-chain N- and C-terminal, respectively. Platelet adhesion was well correlated with M1 binding, but not with R1 or R2 binding. When these mAbs were incubated with plasma preadsorbed surfaces, they blocked adhesion to variable degrees. The ability of the R1 and R2 mAbs to partially block adhesion to adsorbed Fg suggests that RGD sites in the alpha chain may also be involved in mediating platelet adhesion and act synergistically with the C-terminal of the gamma-chain.

Adsorption↗

S-nitrosothiols are stored by platelets and released during platelet-neutrophil interactions.

Interaction between platelets and neutrophils is important in vascular injury. We have investigated the storage and release of nitric oxide (NO) by platelets interacting with neutrophils. Shear-activated platelets were added to neutrophils in suspension and both superoxide and peroxynitrite formations monitored by lucigenin- and luminol-enhanced chemiluminescence. In addition, intraplatelet S-nitrosothiols were measured by dichlorofluorescein fluorescence following displacement of NO by mercuric chloride. Addition of activated platelets to neutrophils caused free radical production and platelet-neutrophil rosette formation. Pretreatment of platelets with 20 microM S-nitrosoglutathione changed the balance between luminol and lucigenin chemiluminescence in favor of luminol, whereas S-nitrosoglutathione in platelet-free plasma did not produce these changes. This pattern was also observed both following inhibition of neutrophil NO synthase and in a neutrophil-free superoxide-generating system. Inhibition of platelet NO synthase decreased luminol and increased lucigenin chemiluminescence. These effects were reversed by L-arginine. Platelet activation increased intraplatelet S-nitrosothiols from 1.93+/-0.19 (mean +/- SD) to 4.9+/-1.10 x 10(-18) mol/platelet (P < 0.01); this increase halved following NO synthase inhibition, but was enhanced by approximately 220% following incubation with S-nitrosoglutathione. These results show that during shear stress platelets store S-nitrosothiols, which can be derived either endogenously from NO synthesis or exogenously by sequestration of S-nitrosoglutathione. Release of stored NO during platelet-neutrophil interaction alters the interaction of NO with superoxide and could modulate vascular inflammation.

Arginase↗

Factor V binding to human platelets: the role of divalent cations and of platelet preparatory methods.

The binding of bovine factor V to human platelets has been studied to ascertain the influence of divalent cations as well as the manner of preparation of platelet suspensions. The binding of factor V to platelets was inhibited by EDTA and EGTA and required calcium (optimum concentration 5mM) but not magnesium. Factor V bound to a single class of low affinity sites in unstimulated gel filtered platelets with a Kd of 3.42 x 10(-8)M. Approximately, 2,340 factor V molecules were bound per platelet. Stimulation with the calcium ionophore A23187 or ADP and fibrinogen and inhibition with prostaglandins E1 (PGE1) or prostaglandins I2 (PGI2) failed to alter these constants. However, washing platelets by repeated centrifugation even in the presence of inhibitors of platelet activation decreased the number of binding sites to 1200 without change in the kd. These studies demonstrate a requirement for calcium in the physiological range for factor V binding to platelets, establish that washed platelets bind fewer factor V molecules than gel filtered platelets, and indicate that stimulation or inhibition of platelet function does not affect factor V binding.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

Exercise-induced changes in platelet aggregation; a comparison of whole blood and platelet rich plasma techniques.

Studies have been performed to assess the effect of exercise on spontaneous platelet aggregation in shaken whole blood, and on agonist-induced platelet aggregation in whole blood and platelet rich plasma (PRP). Spontaneous platelet aggregation in shaken whole blood was increased following exercise compared to pre-exercise values. The increase in spontaneous aggregation after exercise correlated inversely with the increase in white cell count in whole blood. Platelet sensitivity in whole blood to adrenaline, collagen and adenosine diphosphate (ADP) was increased following exercise. Changes in platelet sensitivity to adrenaline following exercise correlated with increases in plasma noradrenaline levels but not with changes in blood cell counts. In PRP, platelet sensitivity to ADP and to collagen was increased following exercise when the pre and post-exercise PRP platelet counts were not corrected to allow for the increase in platelet count which occurred with exercise. When the PRP platelet counts were corrected, no changes in platelet sensitivity to any agonist after exercise were observed.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

Platelet microvesicles adhere to subendothelium and promote adhesion of platelets.

A role in hemostasis has been suggested for platelet membrane microvesicles (mv). The objectives of the studies reported here include functional analysis of platelet mv in models developed for study of platelet adhesion, as well as investigation of possible interactions between mv and intact platelets in these same adhesion models. Microvesicles were prepared from washed platelet concentrates by repeated freezing and thawing. Adhesion to subendothelium was measured quantitatively by radiolabelling mv with 111-In, and morphologically by scanning electron microscopy. Platelet mv adhered to subendothelium quantitatively over time. Using a modified Baumgartner chamber, we found adhesion of mv to subendothelium significantly increased with increasing shear rates. With this same model we found that prior exposure of subendothelium to mv greatly increased subsequent adhesion of platelets to the same everted vessel, compared to platelet adhesion in the absence of mv. All of these experiments were conducted with mv suspended in ACD/saline, indicating that plasma components are not essential for adhesion of mv. Our studies show that platelet mv adhere to subendothelium in much the same way as do platelets, and support the concept of a hemostatic role for mv in that they appear to increase platelet adhesion.

Animals↗

Valsartan inhibits platelet activity at different doses in mild to moderate hypertensives: Valsartan Inhibits Platelets (VIP) trial.

BACKGROUND: Previous in vitro studies have suggested that valsartan produces significant inhibition of human platelets, probably targeting angiotensin I platelet receptors. To test whether valsartan inhibits platelet activity in mild to moderate hypertensives we conducted the randomized Valsartan Inhibits Platelets (VIP) trial. METHODS AND RESULTS: Seventy-five patients with mild to moderate hypertension were randomized to valsartan 80 (n = 25), valsartan 160 (n = 29), or valsartan 320 mg/d (n = 21) for 9 weeks. Platelet function was assessed at baseline, week 5, and week 9 by aggregometry, flow cytometry, and cartridge-based analyzer. Independently of dose and duration, valsartan provided early sustained significant inhibition of adenosine diphosphate-induced platelet aggregation, decreased shear-induced activation measured with PFA-100 analyzer, and diminished expression of GP IIb/IIIa activity measured by PAC-1 antibody, GPIb (CD42b), vitronectin receptor (CD51/61), P-selectin (CD62p), lysosome-associated membrane protein (CD107a), and CD40-ligand (CD154). The antiplatelet properties of valsartan were more profound in patients with diabetes (n = 28) when compared with the nondiabetic group (n = 47). In subgroup analyses of patients with diabetes there appeared to be stronger inhibition of the platelet receptors, a significant decrease of adenosine diphosphate- and collagen-induced platelet aggregation, and more profound inhibition of GP IIb/IIIa activity. CONCLUSIONS: In the randomized VIP trial, valsartan produced sustained inhibition of platelet aggregation and major platelet receptors. The antiplatelet properties of valsartan were not dose or time dependent. In subgroup analyses patients with diabetes with mild to moderate hypertension tended to have greater platelet inhibition, a finding which, if confirmed in future studies suggests possible additional advantages for using valsartan in this high-risk population.

Aged↗

Platelet P-selectin plays an important role in arterial thrombogenesis by forming large stable platelet-leukocyte aggregates.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the role of P-selectin in arterial thrombogenesis by forming large stable platelet-leukocyte aggregates. BACKGROUND: Plaque rupture followed by thrombus formation is a fundamental pathophysiology of acute coronary syndromes. Although the adhesive interaction between platelets and leukocytes via P-selectin is known to mediate platelet-rich thrombi, the true function of P-selectin in thrombus formation in vivo is unknown. METHODS: In wild-type (P(+/+)) and P-selectin-deficient (P(-/-)) mice with ferric chloride (FeCl(3))-induced carotid arterial thrombosis model, we measured in vivo platelet P-selectin expression and adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-induced ex vivo platelet aggregation. We also measured ex vivo ADP-induced whole blood aggregations and their size distribution by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Time to thrombotic occlusion was longer in P(-/-) mice than in P(+/+) mice. Spontaneous reflow after total thrombotic occlusion was observed in 8 of 10 P(-/-) mice but not in any P(+/+) mice. ADP-induced ex vivo platelet aggregation was not different between the two groups. However, ADP-induced ex vivo whole blood aggregation was inhibited in P(-/-) mice compared to P(+/+) mice. FeCl(3) application increased in vivo expressions of platelet P-selectin in P(+/+) mice but not in P(-/-) mice. The number of leukocytes within thrombi was less in P(-/-) mice than in P(+/+) mice. In flow cytometric analysis of size distribution of ADP-induced whole blood aggregates, the number of large aggregates was less in P(-/-) mice than in P(+/+) mice. Using platelet and leukocyte fluorescence makers, the large aggregates were confirmed as platelet-leukocyte aggregates. CONCLUSIONS: Platelet P-selectin plays an important role in arterial thrombogenesis by forming large stable platelet-leukocyte aggregates.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

Viability of platelets collected by apheresis versus the platelet-rich plasma technique: a direct comparison.

Different platelet preparation techniques have not previously been compared directly and simultaneously with respect to in vivo platelet viability. Using a dual-label technique with 111-In and 114m-In, platelet apheresis was compared with the platelet-rich plasma (PRP) procedure with respect to platelet recovery and survival (n=4). Furthermore, a continuous flow cell separator (Cobe 2997) and an intermittent apheresis system (Haemonetics V50) were compared with each other (n=4). No differences in platelet viability were found between the PRP-platelets and the apheresis-platelets. Also no differences were found between the two apheresis systems. Although different platelet preparation methods result in a varying degree of platelet activation, no difference in platelet viability has been observed.

Adult↗

Enhanced retention of in vitro functional activity of platelets from recombinant human thrombopoietin-treated patients following long-term cryopreservation with a platelet-preserving solution (ThromboSol) and 2% DMSO.

Chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia represents a significant clinical problem in the management of patients with malignancy. Recombinant human thrombopoietin (rhTPO) is a potent stimulator of platelet production in vivo. The ability to cryopreserve rhTPO-derived platelets would enable the use of autologous platelets during the period of thrombocytopenia. ThromboSol is a platelet-stabilizing formulation consisting of second messenger effectors that inhibit specific activation pathways endogenous to platelets. To investigate the effect of ThromboSol cryopreservation, platelets from rhTPO-treated patients (n = 23) and normal donors were treated with ThromboSol and 2% DMSO and cryopreserved for up to 6 months. The platelets were thawed at different intervals and tested for retention of platelet functional activity in vitro. Following a short-term storage (1 week), the cryopreserved platelets from patients treated with rhTPO exhibited significantly higher retention of functional activities including discoid morphology (70% v 57%), extent of shape change (19% v 13%) stirring shape change (15% v 11%) and hypotonic shock response (56% v 25%), as compared to the cryopreserved platelets from controls. Furthermore, there was no further significant loss of functional activity following cryopreservation for up to 6 months. These findings suggest that cryopreservation of platelets from rhTPO-treated donors may provide a useful novel strategy for autologous or allogeneic donation for subsequent transfusions to manage treatment-related thrombocytopenia.

Blood Platelets↗

White cell-reduced platelet concentrates prepared by in-line filtration of platelet-rich plasma.

BACKGROUND: The importance of white cell (WBC) reduction in platelet concentrates (PCs) for component quality is undetermined. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Eleven paired components, each derived from one of two whole-blood units given by a single donor on the same day, were studied. One PC was WBC reduced by filtration with an in-line, integral, prototype filter, and the other was produced from unfiltered platelet-rich plasma (PRP) by a standard method. In vitro tests performed on Day 1 and Day 5 were blood gases, plasma lactate, glucose, platelet ATP, mean platelet volume, morphology score, hypotonic stress ratio, extent of shape change in response to ADP, and beta-thromboglobulin. After 5 days of storage, each component pair was labeled with 51Cr or 111In and transfused for the estimation of percent recovery and survival. RESULTS: PCs using the in-line, prototypic filter had a platelet loss of approximately 15 percent and a variable 1 to 3 log10 reduction (average, 95%) in WBC content. The variation in filter WBC removal was related to PRP WBC content and indicated that the filter did not have the capacity for a 3 to 4 log10 removal when PRP WBC content exceeded 1 x 10(8). The in vitro and in vivo measures of platelet quality showed no meaningful differences between filtered and unfiltered PCs by paired t test. The mean differences in posttransfusion percent recoveries and survivals were 0.9 +/- 2.9 percent and 4 +/- 13 hours, respectively. Additional studies were performed using a larger filter with improved capacity. Those studies (n = 18) showed a significant improvement in filtration time and platelet yield and a consistent 3 to 4 log10 reduction in WBCs. Filtration time was 6.6 +/- 2.7 minutes, total PC WBCs were 9.6 +/- 4.6 x 10(4), and total PC platelets were 7.8 +/- 1.8 x 10(10) (mean +/- SD). CONCLUSION: Prestorage filtration of PRP and the preparation of filtered platelets do not result in any significant beneficial or adverse effect on subsequent platelet quality. With the large-capacity filter, consistent WBC reduction and good platelet yields are achieved.

Blood Donors↗

Platelet shape change is mediated by both calcium-dependent and -independent signaling pathways. Role of p160 Rho-associated coiled-coil-containing protein kinase in platelet shape change.

Platelets undergo shape change upon activation with agonists. During shape change, disc-shaped platelets turn into spiculated spheres with protruding filopodia. When agonist-induced cytosolic Ca(2+) increases were prevented using the cytosolic Ca(2+) chelator, 5, 5'-dimethyl-bis-(o-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (5, 5'-dimethyl-BAPTA), platelets still underwent shape change, although the onset was delayed and the initial rate was dramatically decreased. In the absence of cytosolic Ca(2+), agonist-stimulated myosin light chain phosphorylation was significantly inhibited. The myosin light chain was maximally phosphorylated at 2 s in control platelets compared with 30 s in 5,5'-dimethyl-BAPTA-treated platelets. ADP, thrombin, or U46619-induced Ca(2+)-independent platelet shape change was significantly reduced by staurosporine, a nonselective kinase inhibitor, by the selective p160 Rho-associated coiled-coil-containing protein kinase inhibitor Y-27632, or by HA 1077. Both Y-27632 and HA 1077 reduced peak levels of ADP-induced platelet shape change and myosin light chain phosphorylation in control platelets. In 5,5'-dimethyl-BAPTA-treated platelets, Y-27632 and HA 1077 completely abolished both ADP-induced platelet shape change and myosin light chain phosphorylation. Our results indicate that Ca(2+)/calmodulin-stimulated myosin light chain kinase and p160 Rho-associated coiled-coil-containing protein kinase independently contribute to myosin light chain phosphorylation and platelet shape change, through Ca(2+)-sensitive and Ca(2+)-insensitive pathways, respectively.

1-(5-Isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-Methylpiperazine↗

Identification of Dp71 isoforms in the platelet membrane cytoskeleton. Potential role in thrombin-mediated platelet adhesion.

Utrophin is a component of the platelet membrane cytoskeleton and participates in cytoskeletal reorganization (Earnest, J. P., Santos, G. F., Zuerbig, S., and Fox, J. E. B. (1995) J. Biol. Chem. 270, 27259-27265). Although platelets do not contain dystrophin, the identification of smaller C-terminal isoforms of dystrophin, including Dp71, which are expressed in a wide range of nonmuscle tissues and cell lines, has not been investigated. In this report, we have identified Dp71 protein variants of 55-60 kDa (designated Dp71Delta(110)) in the membrane cytoskeleton of human platelets. Both Dp71Delta(110) and utrophin sediment from lysed platelets along with the high speed detergent-insoluble pellet, which contains components of the membrane cytoskeleton. Like the membrane cytoskeletal proteins vinculin and spectrin, Dp71Delta(110) and utrophin redistributed from the high speed detergent-insoluble pellet to the integrin-rich low speed pellet of thrombin-stimulated platelets. Immunoelectron microscopy provided further evidence that Dp71Delta(110) was localized to the submembranous cytoskeleton. In addition to Dp71Delta(110), platelets contained several components of the dystrophin-associated protein complex, including beta-dystroglycan and syntrophin. To better understand the potential function of Dp71Delta(110), collagen adhesion assays were performed on platelets isolated from wild-type or Dp71-deficient (mdx(3cv)) mice. Adhesion to collagen in response to thrombin was significantly decreased in platelets isolated from mdx(3cv) mice, compared with wild-type platelets. Collectively, our results provide evidence that Dp71Delta(110) is a component of the platelet membrane cytoskeleton, is involved in cytoskeletal reorganization and/or signaling, and plays a role in thrombin-mediated platelet adhesion.

Animals↗

New synthesis of a platelet-specific protein: platelet factor 4 synthesis in a megakaryocyte-enriched rabbit bone marrow culture system.

The site of synthesis of platelet-specific proteins remains to be established. With the use of short-term megakaryocyte-enriched cultures, direct evidence was obtained to show that megakaryocytes synthesize the platelet-specific protein, platelet factor 4. A megakaryocyte-enriched fraction of rabbit bone marrow for culture was obtained by centrifugal elutriation and cultured with [3H]leucine. Newly synthesized 3H-platelet factor 4 was sought by copurification with added carrier rabbit platelet factor 4, using heparin agarose affinity chromatography and immunoprecipitation with specific goat anti-rabbit platelet factor 4 antisera. SDS PAGE of the washed immunoprecipitates demonstrated a [3H]leucine-containing peak which migrated identically with purified homogeneous rabbit platelet factor 4. A second, slightly larger molecular-weight protein was identified in the gels also, suggesting that rabbit platelet factor 4 may be synthesized as a larger molecular-weight precursor in rabbit megakaryocytes. These results provide direct evidence that the platelet-specific protein, platelet factor 4, is synthesized in rabbit megakaryocytes before it is packaged into alpha-granules for release in circulating platelets.

Animals↗

Cardioprotective effects of platelets against ischaemia-reperfusion injury are related in part to platelet glutathione redox cycle.

OBJECTIVE: Washed platelets have been shown to protect isolated buffer perfused rat hearts from injury and dysfunction following ischaemia-reperfusion. This study was designed to investigate whether platelet glutathione redox cycle contributes to the protective effect of platelets. METHODS: Isolated rat hearts were perfused with Krebs-Henseleit buffer alone, buffer containing platelets, or buffer containing platelets pretreated with inhibitors of glutathione redox cycle. All hearts were subjected to 40 min of global ischaemia followed by 30 min of reperfusion. RESULTS: Following ischaemia and reperfusion, hearts perfused with buffer alone showed a marked reduction in force of cardiac contraction and heart rate, an increase in coronary perfusion pressure and diastolic tone, and a release of creatine kinase in the coronary effluent. Myocardial creatine kinase, superoxide dismutase activity, and glutathione content all fell. Perfusion of hearts with washed platelets provided significant protection from ischaemia-reperfusion related myocardial injury and dysfunction. The cardioprotective effects of platelets were attenuated when they were preincubated with the glutathione redox cycle inhibitors dehydroepiandrosterone, 1,3-bis (2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosurea, or 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene. Pretreatment of platelets with glutathione redox cycle inhibitors did not affect the platelet mediated preservation of myocardial superoxide dismutase activity. CONCLUSIONS: Platelet glutathione redox cycle contributes in part to the cardioprotective effects of platelets against ischaemia-reperfusion injury and dysfunction in the isolated rat heart.

Animals↗