Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Platelet Aggregation”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 1,189 records · Page 66Linked to original sources

Effect of different aspirin doses on platelet aggregation in patients with stable coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: Aspirin is widely used as an antiplatelet agent in the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. In order to spare prostacyclin formation and reduce gastrointestinal side-effects, very low doses of aspirin have been introduced. However, it remains unclear whether these low doses are equally effective with respect to inhibition of platelet aggregation. AIMS: In a randomized, controlled study in 60 patients with stable coronary artery disease, the effects on platelet aggregation of five doses (50, 80, 100, 162.5 and 325 mg) of aspirin, which are widely used in clinical practice, given for 70 days, were investigated. Two reagents, adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and epinephrine, were used to induce platelet aggregation in platelet-rich plasma. An age- and sex-matched group of people without coronary artery disease served as the control. RESULTS: ADP- and epinephrine-induced platelet aggregation was 78.2 +/- 12.8% and 76.7 +/- 15.5% of maximum aggregation in the control group. Aspirin inhibited platelet aggregation in a dose-dependent manner. Minimum platelet aggregation was observed at a dose of 325 mg aspirin (27.5 +/- 17.4% with ADP). Doses of 50 and 80 mg aspirin were much less effective in inhibiting platelet aggregation (59.1 +/- 11.4% and 50.3 +/- 12.1% with ADP, respectively). Doses of 100 and 162.5 mg aspirin produced significantly greater inhibition of platelet aggregation than lower doses (36.2 +/- 11.7% and 38.5 +/- 19.8% platelet aggregation with ADP, respectively). CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that doses of aspirin less than 100 mg are not as effective at inhibiting platelet aggregation as doses greater than 100 mg.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

Spontaneous platelet aggregation in cerebrovascular disease II. Further characterisation of the platelet defect.

A group of 186 patients with Transient Ischaemic Attacks (TIA) or cerebral infarction (CI) was found to demonstrate in vitro Spontaneous Platelet Aggregation (SPA) in 39% of those studied. Of the 176 normal subjects studied the incidence on in vitro SPA was found to be 5%. Further investigation of the phenomenon of SPA revealed that: 1. it is associated with ADP-hyperaggregability, i. e. the threshold concentration to induce second wave aggregation is decreased; 2. it is dependant on the increase in pH which occurs in platelet-rich plasma stirring in an aggregometer while concurrent ADP-hyperaggregability is independant of this change in pH; 3. it is associated with malondialdehyde production and the release of endogenous 5-hydroxytryptamine; and that 4. in addition Km and Vmax values for [14c]-5HT incorporation are normal; and that 5. no gross abnormalities of the platelet membrane glycoproteins were apparent although occasionally glycoprotein III was found to be increased. This study demonstrates abnormal platelet behaviour in patients with TIA and CI where the enzyme system involved in thromboxane production is sufficiently stimulated, by stirring alone, to induce aggregation of platelets and the release reaction. Acetylsalicylic acid abolishes SPA and prolongs the bleeding time with similar characteristics as has been described for normal individuals. Plasma beta-thromboglobulin levels are significantly increased in the patients studied. However, no correlation was established with the incidence of in vitro SPA.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

Expression, purification and characterisation of recombinant pallidipin, a novel platelet aggregation inhibitor from the haematophageous triatomine bug Triatoma pallidipennis.

Pallidipin is a platelet aggregation inhibitor protein originating from the saliva of the haematophageous triatomine bug Triatoma pallidipennis. Its inhibitory effects are specific for collagen-induced platelet aggregation. The recombinant form of the protein was expressed in the periplasmic space of transformed Escherichia coli using a vector based on the alkaline phosphatase gene promoter and leader peptide. Recombinant pallidipin was purified in three chromatographic steps including cation exchange, anion exchange and size exclusion gel chromatography. SDS/PAGE and N-terminal amino acid sequencing showed that recombinant pallidipin had a molecular weight similar to that of the salivary protein (approximately 19 kDa) and had been correctly processed. The yield was 864 micrograms of pure protein from one litre of bacterial culture. The biological activity of recombinant pallidipin was assessed in a platelet aggregation assay using collagen at a concentration of 2 micrograms/ml as inducer, and the IC50 found to be 33 nM, similar to that determined for the native protein. When the collagen concentration used for induction was increased, higher pallidipin concentrations were also needed to achieve a comparable inhibition of platelet aggregation.

Animals↗

Enhancement by ticlopidine of the inhibitory effect on in vitro platelet aggregation of the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor tirofiban.

We determined the effects of combining the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor tirofiban (MK-383, Aggrastat) and ticlopidine on inhibition of ADP-induced platelet aggregation, inhibition of collagen-induced platelet aggregation, and prolongation of bleeding time in 5 healthy male volunteers. The study consisted of 2 periods. In period 1, tirofiban was administered intravenously as a bolus injection at a dose of 5.0 microg/kg for 5 min, then as a continuous infusion at a rate of 0.05 microg/kg/min for 5 h 55 min. In period 2, ticlopidine was given orally at a dose of 200 mg once daily for 4 days, after which tirofiban was administered in the same manner as in period 1, starting 2 h after the last dose of ticlopidine. The percent inhibition of platelet aggregation induced by ADP 5 microM at the end of tirofiban infusion in periods 1 and 2 was 73.6 +/- 2.6 and 87.1 +/- 5.7% (mean +/- SD), respectively. The corresponding values for inhibition of platelet aggregation induced by collagen 2 microg/ml were 45.4 +/- 36.1 and 82.8 +/- 27.0%, respectively. In contrast, the percent inhibition of platelet aggregation induced by ADP and collagen after treatment with ticlopidine alone was 15.8 +/- 20.2 and 2.2 +/- 4.8%, respectively. Compared with tirofiban alone, the combination of tirofiban and ticlopidine significantly enhanced inhibition of platelet aggregation induced by both ADP and collagen (p <0.02 and p <0.012, respectively). The inhibitory effects of ticlopidine alone were not statistically significant. Tirofiban prolonged bleeding time both in period 1 and in period 2. However, tirofiban and ticlopidine combined did not affect bleeding time. Ticlopidine administration did not alter the pharmacokinetics of tirofiban. In conclusion, at the doses of tirofiban and ticlopidine used in this study, the combination of the two drugs enhanced inhibition of platelet aggregation but did not prolong bleeding time, suggesting that appropriate doses of tirofiban can be used concomitantly with ticlopidine with no further safety concerns but with potential additional clinical effects.

Adult↗

Localization of ferritin-conjugated anti-fibrin-fibrinogen in platelet aggregates produced in vitro.

A ferritin-conjugated anti-fibrin/fibrinogen was localized by means of light and electron microscopy in artificial in vitro thrombi formed in the presence of the labeled antibody, and in preformed ADP-induced platelet aggregates. The ferritin was distributed throughout the central and peripheral regions of the columns of aggregated platelets in the thrombi. In the preformed ADP aggregates, ferritin was deposited only by infiltration from surrounding plasma and was confined to the periphery of the columns. The even distribution of ferritin in the central zone of the platelet columns of the thrombi indicated a specific reaction had occurred before or during thrombus formation unrelated to infiltration of plasma. In the artificial thrombi, the ferritin-labeled antibody was localized on the surface layer of platelets and on the bridging structures composed of the combined surface layers in the narrow spaces between cohesive platelets. Vesicles and alpha granules within the platelets also were tagged. The absence of obvious fibrin between narrow interspaces and within the platelets indicated that the antibody had reacted with fibrinogen or partly polymerized fibrin at these sites. Many invaginations of the platelet membrane containing dense fibrillar material were interpreted to be alpha granules discharging their contents during the "release reaction" at the time of aggregation. This material, which was tagged by the ferritin-conjugated antibody, merged with the interplatelet bridges to suggest that released fibrinogen from within the platelet contributed to the structural bond and strengthened it. A layer of dense fibrin and altered platelets in the periphery of the columns of aggregated platelets in the artificial thrombi contained the platelets and limited further growth of the aggregates. The fibrin was thought to be derived from infiltrated plasma as well as from released intraplatelet fibrinogen. Platelet fibrinogen thus appeared to take part both in the cohesion of aggregated platelets and in the stabilization of the aggregates formed.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

Inhibition of platelet aggregation by S-nitroso-cysteine via cGMP-independent mechanisms: evidence of inhibition of thromboxane A2 synthesis in human blood platelets.

S-Nitroso-cysteine (SNC), a putative endothelium-derived relaxing factor, potently inhibited collagen- and arachidonic acid-induced platelet aggregation (IC50=100 nM) and thromboxane A2 (TxA2) synthesis of human blood platelets. ODQ, a selective inhibitor of the soluble guanylyl cyclase, inhibited SNC-induced formation of cGMP but did not reverse inhibition by SNC of collagen- and arachidonic acid-induced platelet aggregation. Combination of ODQ with SQ-29548, a specific platelet TxA2 receptor antagonist, did not modify the antiaggregatory action of SNC. Our study shows that SNC inhibits platelet aggregation by cGMP-independent mechanisms that may involve inhibition of TxA2 synthesis in human platelets.

Arachidonic Acid↗

Human factor XII binding to the glycoprotein Ib-IX-V complex inhibits thrombin-induced platelet aggregation.

Factor XII deficiency has been postulated to be a risk factor for thrombosis suggesting that factor XII is an antithrombotic protein. The biochemical mechanism leading to this clinical observation is unknown. We have previously reported high molecular weight kininogen (HK) inhibition of thrombin-induced platelet aggregation by binding to the platelet glycoprotein (GP) Ib-IX-V complex. Although factor XII will bind to the intact platelet through GP Ibalpha (glycocalicin) without activation, we now report that factor XIIa (0. 37 microm), but not factor XII zymogen, is required for the inhibition of thrombin-induced platelet aggregation. Factor XIIa had no significant effect on SFLLRN-induced platelet aggregation. Moreover, an antibody to the thrombin site on protease-activated receptor-1 failed to block factor XII binding to platelets. Inhibition of thrombin-induced platelet aggregation was demonstrated with factor XIIa but not with factor XII zymogen or factor XIIf, indicating that the conformational exposure of the heavy chain following proteolytic activation is required for inhibition. However, inactivation of the catalytic activity of factor XIIa did not affect the inhibition of thrombin-induced platelet aggregation. Factor XII showed displacement of biotin-labeled HK (30 nm) binding to gel-filtered platelets and, at concentrations of 50 nm, was able to block 50% of the HK binding, suggesting involvement of the GP Ib complex. Antibodies to GP Ib and GP IX, which inhibited HK binding to platelets, did not block factor XII binding. However, using a biosensor, which monitors protein-protein interactions, both HK and factor XII bind to GP Ibalpha. Factor XII may serve to regulate thrombin binding to the GP Ib receptor by co-localizing with HK, to control the extent of platelet aggregation in vivo.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Mechanisms of satigrel (E5510), a new anti-platelet drug, in inhibiting human platelet aggregation. Selectivity and potency against prostaglandin H synthases isozyme activities and phosphodiesterase isoform activities.

Satigrel (E5510, 4-cyano-5,5-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)-4-pentenoic acid) is a potent inhibitor of platelet aggregation. Like cyclooxygenase/prostaglandin H synthase (PGHS) inhibitors such as aspirin, which suppress platelet aggregation by inhibiting thromboxane A2 production, satigrel inhibits collagen- and arachidonic acid-induced aggregation of human platelets. In contrast to other PGHS inhibitors, satigrel, like cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors such as cilostazol, shows inhibitory activity against thrombin-induced platelet aggregation. To investigate the mechanism of the anti-platelet activity of satigrel, we examined the selectivity and potency of satigrel against PGHS isozyme activities and PDE isoform activities. Two isozymes of PGHS are known; constitutive enzyme (PGHS1) and inducible enzyme (PGHS2). Satigrel showed inhibitory activity against PGHS1 (IC50: 0.081 microM) and PGHS2 (IC50: 5.9 microM), suggesting the selective inhibition of PGHS1. Indomethacin, which is a selective inhibitor of PGHS1, showed similar selectivity against PGHS isozymes (IC50: 0.12 microM and 1.4 microM, respectively). These results support that satigrel suppresses thromboxane A2 production by inhibiting PGHS1. It is known that three isozymes of PDE exist in human platelets: Type V, which specifically hydrolyzes guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP), Type III, which mainly hydrolyzes cAMP, and Type II, which hydrolyzes both cGMP and cAMP. We separated these three isozymes from human platelets and examined the inhibitory activity of satigrel against each enzyme. Of the three isozymes, the inhibitory activity of satigrel was the most potent against Type III PDE (IC50: 15.7 microM). The IC50 value for Type III corresponded with that for thrombin-induced platelet aggregation. Type V and Type II were also inhibited by satigrel (IC50: 39.8 and 62.4 microM, respectively). In human platelets, satigrel increased both cAMP and cGMP levels in a dose-dependent manner (100, 300 microM). In conclusion, satigrel inhibits collagen- and arachidonic acid-induced platelet aggregation through preventing thromboxane A2 synthesis by selective inhibition of the target enzyme, PGHS1, which exists in platelets. The anti-aggregating activity of satigrel against thrombin-induced aggregation may be due to elevation of the cyclic nucleotide levels through the inhibition of PDE isozymes.

Blood Platelets↗

Standard heparin and low molecular weight heparin effect on spontaneous platelet aggregation measured in whole blood and in platelet-rich plasma.

The evaluation of both standard heparin (SH) and low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) (Fraxiparine) impact on spontaneous platelet aggregation assessed in the whole blood and in platelet-rich plasma (PRP). The results obtained reveal that SH enhance spontaneous aggregation in a similar degree both in the whole blood (34.5 +/- 3.0, control 21.3 +/- 4.1) and in PRP (33.5 +/- 2.7, control 13.8 +/- 3.2). LMWH significantly intensifies spontaneous aggregation in the whole blood (46.9 +/- 3.2, control 21.3 +/- 4.1) but not in PRP (19.4 +/- 4.3, control 13.8 +/- 3.2).

Heparin↗

Inhibition of platelet aggregation by moxalactam and free N-methylthiotetrazole.

The effects of moxalactam and free N-methylthiotetrazole (N-MTT) in vitro on platelet aggregation induced by adenosine diphosphate (ADP), arachidonic acid, collagen, epinephrine, or ristocetin were determined. Moxalactam at concentrations of 1.9 mM and 5.7 mM inhibited platelet aggregation induced by ADP, arachidonic acid, epinephrine, and ristocetin. Although the aggregatory activity of collagen was not inhibited with 1.9 mM moxalactam, an increase in the concentration of moxalactam to 5.7 mM significantly inhibited collagen-induced platelet aggregation. Inhibition of platelet aggregation by free N-MTT was also concentration dependent. The lowest concentration of N-MTT used in this study, 5.7 mM, inhibited platelet aggregation induced by both arachidonic acid and ristocetin. At a concentration of 28 mM, N-MTT inhibited aggregation induced by ADP, collagen, epinephrine, and ristocetin, but not by arachidonic acid. At 57 mM N-MTT, almost complete inhibition of platelet aggregation occurred for all five agonists tested.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

Acute effect of tobacco cigarette smoking on the platelet aggregate ratio.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether cigarette smoking acutely increased circulating platelet aggregates as detected by lowering of the platelet aggregate ratio. Eighteen (11 male and 7 female) volunteers ranging from 16 to 47 years of age rested during a 20-minute control period and smoked two unfiltered tobacco cigarettes during another 20-minute period. Platelet aggregate ratios (mean +/- SD) before and after the control period were 0.86 +/- 13 and 0.82 +/- 0.12 respectively (p greater than 0.05) and before and after smoking were 0.84 +/- 0.14 and 0.66 +/- 0.18 respectively (p less than 0.01). The mean plasma nonesterified fatty acid concentration was not significantly different before and after smoking suggesting that the decrease in platelet aggregate ratio was not mediated through elevation of the plasma nonesterified fatty acid concentration. Our results are consistent with the theory that platelet aggregates contribute to the increased incidence of myocardial infarction and sudden death from coronary artery disease observed among cigarette smokers.

Adolescent↗

Platelet aggregation and disaggregation in the streptozotocin induced diabetic rat: the effect of sympathetic inhibition.

Alterations in platelet function have been observed in a number of diabetic states. Increased responsiveness to platelet-aggregating agents in diabetes associated with increased catecholamine production and/or turnover suggested that heightened sympathetic activity may contribute to this increased platelet aggregation response. To investigate this possibility, we made male Wistar-Furth rats diabetic with streptozotocin and treated them either with adrenergic inhibitors (clonidine, yohimbine, reserpine) or saline. After 2 weeks, arterial blood samples were collected in 3.8% sodium citrate or acid citrate dextrose (ACD). Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) was prepared, and platelet aggregation studies were conducted directly or conducted on washed platelets prepared from PRP collected with ACD. Platelet aggregation in response to ADP by PRP was reduced while the rate of disaggregation was increased in platelets from diabetic animals when compared to controls. However, platelet aggregation in response to ADP in washed platelets was increased in diabetic animals when compared to controls. Clonidine, reserpine and yohimbine significantly decreased the diabetes-induced increase in maximum aggregation. Thrombin-induced aggregation was not altered by diabetes or any of the treatments. The platelet size was increased in the diabetic animals and was decreased toward controls by clonidine, reserpine and yohimbine treatment. These studies suggest that diabetes increases platelet aggregation response in diabetic rats, and that blockage or suppression of adrenergic activity reverses or attenuates the diabetes-induced hypersensitivity to ADP.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

Effect of oral magnesium supplementation on blood pressure, platelet aggregation and calcium handling in deoxycorticosterone acetate induced hypertension in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of oral magnesium supplementation on blood pressure, platelet aggregation and platelet calcium handling in deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-induced hypertension in rats. DESIGN AND METHODS: Rats were divided into four groups of 20 each. Drug treatments were given for a 6-week period. Control rats were vehicle treated. In the second group, DOCA, 15 mg/kg, was injected subcutaneously twice weekly with 1% NaCl used instead of drinking water. The third group was given magnesium oxide (MgO), 1 g/kg daily, orally by gavage. The fourth group was given MgO along with DOCA and 1% NaCl. Blood pressure and heart rate were measured weekly. Platelet aggregation, intracellular calcium, calcium uptake and calcium efflux studies were performed at the end of sixth week. Serum magnesium concentration, plasma levels of reactive nitrogen intermediates (RNI) and citrulline were also measured RESULTS: There was a significant rise in blood pressure in the DOCA-treated rats. Magnesium prevented the gradual rise in blood pressure when given along with DOCA, but had no effect in normotensive rats. Heart rate did not show any significant change. Platelet aggregation was significantly reduced in all the treatment groups compared to the control group. DOCA treatment produced a significant increase in the intracellular calcium concentration as well as the calcium uptake compared to the control group. Magnesium supplementation inhibited the increased intracellular calcium concentration and calcium uptake in DOCA-treated rats. RNI and citrulline levels were elevated in all the treatment groups. Serum magnesium levels were significantly higher in the magnesium-treated and DOCA plus magnesium-treated rats. CONCLUSIONS: Magnesium supplementation prevents blood pressure elevation in DOCA hypertensive rats. These effects are associated with inhibition of platelet calcium uptake and decreased intracellular free calcium concentration.

Administration, Oral↗

Crotavirin, a potent platelet aggregation inhibitor purified from the venom of the snake Crotalus viridis.

A potent platelet aggregation inhibitor in the venom of Crotalus viridis snake was purified to homogeneity by gel filtration chromatography and reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography. This purified principle, named crotavirin, is a single-chain polypeptide with a mol. wt of 9200 as estimated by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. It inhibited the aggregation of human washed platelets induced by collagen, thrombin and thomboxane analogue (U46619) with a similar IC50 (approximately 1.0 micrograms/ml, 0.11 microM). The binding of fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated crotavirin to platelets was abolished in the presence of divalent cation chelator, EDTA, indicating that divalent cation is essential for crotavirin's binding. A monoclonal antibody, 7E3, raised against platelet glycoprotein IIb-IIIa complex blocked the binding of fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated crotavirin to platelets, whereas the other monoclonal antibody against glycoprotein IIb-IIIa, 10E5, had no inhibitory effect. In addition, crotavirin inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner the binding of fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated rhodostomin, a member of the disintegrin family, to platelets. Its binding to platelets was blocked by disintegrins, e.g. trigramin and rhodostomin. It is concluded that crotavirin is a potent platelet aggregation inhibitor, which acts specifically on an epitope of glycoprotein IIb-IIIa, leading to the blockade of fibrinogen binding to glycoprotein IIb-IIIa and eventually the blockade of platelet aggregation.

Animals↗

Elevated levels of circulating platelet aggregates and beta-thromboglobulin in scleroderma.

Levels of circulating platelet aggregates and plasma beta-thromboglobulin reflect the degree of platelet activation in vascular injury and repair. Both values were evaluated in 38 patients with scleroderma and 18 control subjects matched for age, sex, and race. Circulating platelet aggregates (expressed as percentage of total platelet count) were 7.2 +/- 5.5% (mean +/- SD) in the control group and 31.2 +/- 13% in the scleroderma group (p less than 0.0005). Beta-thromboglobulin levels in the control groups were 20 +/- 10 ng/mL and 72.7 +/- 50 ng/mL in the group with scleroderma (p less than 0.0005). A positive correlation was found between the two values (r = 0.6, p less than 0.0005). Significant reductions in circulating platelet aggregates and beta-thromboglobulin levels were achieved in 10 patients by dipyridamole and aspirin therapy. These results show in-vivo activation of platelets in scleroderma with release of platelet granule constituents. Antiplatelet therapy in adequate doses returned both values to normal; however, its long-term effect on scleroderma is not yet known.

Aspirin↗

Significance of the intact polypeptide chains of human fibrinogen in ADP-induced platelet aggregation.

The presence of human fibrinogen in suspensions of washed human platelets is a requirement for ADP-induced platelet aggregation. Digestion of fibrinogen with plasmin destroys this function of the protein. The high solubility fraction of Kabi fibrinogen, fragment X (stage 1) and framgent X (stage 2), are two, eight, and ten times, respectively, less potent in promoting ADP-induced platelet aggregation, as compared with intact fibrinogen. Fragments Y and D and the mixture of reduced and carboxymethylated chains of human fibrinogen do not support ADP-induced platelet aggregation at all. SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of nonreduced and reduced fibrinogen and its derivatives indicates that the intact fibrinogen molecule is essential for ADP-induced platelet aggregation. It is suggested that the carboxy-terminal part of the Aalpha chain and possibly also the amino-terminal part of the Bbeta chain are required for the platelet aggregation-promoting function of fibrinogen.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

[Inhibition of platelet aggregation under estrogen-treatment in patients with carcinoma of the prostate (author's transl)].

In patients with carcinoma of the prostate treated with estrogens platelet aggregation is increased. Patients with increased platelet aggregation have a high incidence of cardio-vascular and thrombo-embolic diseases. Platelet aggregation was measured by the platelet-aggregation test (PAT). Platelet aggregation was inhibited by administration of acetyl-salicylic acid (ASS) 2 times 500 mg daily. An aggregation inhibiting effect was found in all 38 patients. To reduce the cardio-vascular complications of estrogens in treating carcinoma of the prostate acetyl-salicylic acid as an adjunct therapy is recommended. A long-term study has been started.

Aspirin↗

Plasmin-induced platelet aggregation is accompanied by cleavage of aggregin and indirectly mediated by calpain.

We recently reported that thrombin-induced platelet aggregation 1) is accompanied by cleavage of aggregin, a 100-kDa membrane protein and a putative ADP receptor, 2) is indirectly mediated by intracellularly activated calpain, and 3) requires the occupancy of high-affinity thrombin receptors. Because of the similarities between responses after platelet activation induced by thrombin and plasmin (greater than or equal to 1.0 casein unit/ml), we investigated whether or not plasmin-induced platelet aggregation proceeds by the same mechanism that underlies thrombin-induced platelet aggregation. We found that the rate of plasmin-induced aggregation of washed intact platelets and that of platelets modified by 5'-p-fluorosulfonylbenzoyladenosine (FSBA, an affinity analogue of ADP, which covalently modifies aggregin) were similar, indicating that the aggregation is independent of the ADP effect. Plasmin completely cleaved [3H]FSBA-labeled aggregin in intact platelets. A mixture of metabolic inhibitors (2-deoxy-D-glucose, gluconolactone, and antimycin A) completely inhibited plasmin-induced platelet aggregation and plasmin-induced cleavage of aggregin, demonstrating that an energy-requiring step is involved in the reaction. The synthetic hexapeptide affinity reagent Phe-Gln-Val-Val-Cys(NpyS)-Gly-NH2 (NpyS = 3-nitro-2-thiopyridine), a potent and specific inhibitor of thrombin-induced platelet aggregation and platelet calpain, completely inhibited plasmin-induced platelet aggregation and plasmin-induced cleavage of aggregin. These results suggest that, like thrombin, plasmin-induced platelet aggregation is accompanied by the cleavage of aggregin and these responses are indirectly mediated by the intracellularly activated calpain.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Amino Acid Sequence↗