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Extensive deposits of complement C3d and C5b-9 in the choriocapillaris of eyes of patients with diabetic retinopathy.

PURPOSE: To determine the presence of activated complement components in eyes affected by diabetic retinopathy. METHODS: Eyes of 50 deceased donors with diabetic retinopathy and of 10 nondiabetic subjects with uveal melanoma (n = 6) or phthisical eyes (n = 4), as well as eyes of 16 deceased donors without diabetic retinopathy were subjected to immunohistochemical studies, using a panel of antibodies directed against candidate markers of complement activation. RESULTS: Extensive deposits of complement C5b-9 complexes were detected in the choriocapillaris immediately underlying the Bruch membrane and densely surrounding the capillaries, in all 50 diabetic retinopathy specimens. Complement deposition was sometimes also observed around the larger choroidal vessels. Similarly intense staining for C5b-9 was absent in 25 of the 26 of the other donor eyes. Positive staining was observed in a case of systemic amyloidosis. Staining for C3d positively correlated with C5b-9 staining, corroborating the notion that complement activation had occurred in situ. Furthermore, positive staining was found for vitronectin, which forms stable complexes with extracellular C5b-9. When present, deposits under the pigment epithelium and drusen also stained positively for the activated complement components, independent of diabetic retinopathy. In contrast, there was no positive staining for C-reactive protein (CRP), mannose-binding lectin (MBL), C1q, or C4, indicating that complement activation did not occur through a C4-dependent pathway. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of C3d, C5b-9, and vitronectin indicates that complement activation occurs to completion, possibly through the alternative pathway in the choriocapillaris in eyes affected by diabetic retinopathy. Complement activation at this site may evoke a spectrum of pathologic sequelae that could contribute to ocular tissue disease and visual impairment.

Aged↗

The angiogenesis inhibitor beta-cyclodextrin tetradecasulfate inhibits ecto-protein kinase activity.

The growth of new blood vessels plays an important role in the pathogenesis of several diseases including cancer, diabetes, and arthritis. Beta-cyclodextrin tetradecasulfate, when administered with an appropriate steroid inhibits angiogenesis, and can stimulate angiogenesis when given alone. The regulation of angiogenesis is not well understood, and the mechanism of action of beta-cyclodextrin tetradecasulfate is similarly not well defined. Ecto-protein kinase activity that utilizes extracellular ATP has recently been reported on several types of cells. Human neutrophils appear to possess two distinct ecto-protein kinase activities; one that phosphorylates exogenous substrates including vitronectin and basic fibroblast growth factor, and one that phosphorylates endogenous cell-surface proteins. This report shows that beta-cyclodextrin tetradecasulfate inhibits the phosphorylation of the exogenous substrates casein, vitronectin (the major ecto-protein kinase substrate in serum), and basic fibroblast growth factor by human neutrophil ecto-protein kinase activity. In contrast, beta-cyclodextrin tetradecasulfate had no effect on the phosphorylation of endogenous cell-surface proteins by the neutrophil ecto-protein kinase activity. Ecto-protein kinase activity that was inhibited by beta-cyclodextrin tetradecasulfate was also detected on porcine aortic and human umbilical vein endothelial cells. The effects of beta-cyclodextrin tetradecasulfate on ecto-protein kinase activities may play a role in its effects on angiogenesis.

Caseins↗

Endogenous receptor-bound urokinase mediates tissue invasion of the human lung carcinoma cell lines A549 and Calu-1.

Macrophage colony-stimulating factor (CSF-1) increases the tissue invasive potential of the CSF-1 receptor-bearing lung carcinoma cell lines A549 and Calu-1 by increasing the number of endogenously bound urokinase-type plasminogen activators (u-PA)s on these cells. CSF-1, at concentrations which optimize invasion of A549 and Calu-1 cells into human amnion membranes (250 ng/ml), maximally augments the number of u-PA receptors occupied by endogenously produced urokinase. Preincubation of A549 and Calu-1 cells with the anti-u-PA monoclonal antibody MPW5UK (25 micrograms/ml) or with a 20- to 40-fold stoichiometric excess of fluid phase type 2 plasminogen activator inhibitor abrogates invasiveness, indicating that functionally active cell surface u-PA is essential for tissue invasion. In contrast, fluid phase type 1 plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1, 5-15 units/ml) does not inhibit invasiveness unless preincubated with the amnion membranes. Inhibition of invasion by PAI-1 is abolished by presaturating the amnion membranes with antiitronectin monoclonal antibody (10 micrograms/ml) which prevents binding of PAI-1 to tissue-associated vitronectin. Binding of PAI-1 to tissue vitronectin is therefore a prerequisite for its inhibitory action. Thus, endogenously receptor-bound u-PA is the primary protease mediating CSF-1-induced tissue invasiveness of the lung carcinoma cell lines A549 and Calu-1.

Amnion↗

Self-reactive, T cell receptor-gamma delta+, lymphocytes from the intestinal epithelium of weanling mice.

Intraepithelial T lymphocytes (IEL) are dispersed throughout the intestinal epithelial lining but their role in cellular immune defense is unknown. Their location suggests that their highly activated state may be due to constant exposure to bacterial Ag. To study IEL specificity and function we have prepared a panel of IEL-T cell hybridomas from both adult and weanling C57B1/6 mice. Many of these expressed TCR-gamma delta, a cell type rare in peripheral lymph nodes and spleen but predominant at epithelial surfaces. We have identified a subset of gamma delta T cells from weanling mice which is self reactive, i.e., these hybrids secrete IL-2 spontaneously, without antigenic stimulation or a requirement for APC. Self-reactive TCR-gamma delta+ hybrids and lines, all of which bear a particular TCR (V gamma 1.1C gamma 4V delta 6), have previously been derived from neonatal thymus and the skin. Northern blot and immunoprecipitation analyses suggest that the self-reactive IEL hybrids also bear a C gamma 4/V delta 6 TCR. Antibody inhibition experiments showed that the self-reactivity of the IEL hybrids is TCR mediated. Spontaneous IL-2 production was blocked by soluble anti-CD3 and anti-TCR-gamma delta antibodies but not by antibodies to the TCR-alpha beta. The self-reactive IEL hybrids lack class II MHC and the class I-like proteins CD1 and TLA but express class I MHC. IEL hybrids may also require the vitronectin receptor as an accessory molecule for their activation because spontaneous IL-2 production is blocked by antibody to the vitronectin receptor as well as by the extracellular matrix protein active site peptide RGDS, but not the control peptide RGES. V gamma 1.1C gamma 4V delta 6 T cells in the thymus, skin, and intestine may represent a small and unique subpopulation of lymphocytes with a potential for autoimmune reactivity at peripheral sites.

Animals↗

Heparin modulates integrin-mediated cellular adhesion: specificity of interactions with alpha and beta integrin subunits.

Heparin is known to influence the growth, proliferation, and migration of vascular cells, but the precise mechanisms are unknown. We previously demonstrated that unfractionated heparin (UH) binds to the platelet integrin alpha(IIb)beta(3), and enhances ligand binding. To help define the specificity and site(s) of heparin-integrin interactions, we employed the erythroleukemic K562 cell line, transfected to express specific integrins (alpha(v)beta(3), alpha(v)beta(5), and alpha(IIb)beta(3)). By comparing K562 cells expressing a common alpha subunit (Kalpha(v)beta(3), Kalpha(v)beta(5)) with cells expressing a common beta subunit (Kalpha(v)beta(3), Kalpha(IIb)beta(3)), we observed that heparin differentially modulated integrin-mediated adhesion to vitronectin. UH at 0.5-7.5 microg/ml consistently enhanced the adhesion of beta(3) expressing cells (Kalpha(v)beta(3),Kalpha(IIb)beta(3)). In contrast, UH at 0.5-7.5 microg/ml inhibited Kalpha(v)beta(5) adhesion. Experiments using integrin-blocking antibodies, appropriate control ligands, and nontransfected native K562 cells revealed that heparin's actions were mediated by the specific integrins under study. Preincubation of heparin with Kalpha(v)beta(3) cells enhanced adhesion, while preincubation of heparin with the adhesive substrate (vitronectin) had minimal effect. There was a structural specificity to heparin's effect, in that a low molecular weight heparin and chondroitin sulfate showed significantly less enhancement of adhesion. These findings suggest that heparin's modulation of integrin-ligand interactions occurs through its action on the integrin. The inhibitory or stimulatory effects of heparin depend on the beta subunit type, and the potency is dictated by structural characteristics of the glycosaminoglycan.

Antibodies↗

[Construction of CHO-IVB, A serum-independent, apoptosis-resistant cell line that can grow in adherence].

Without serum to provide adherent factors, CHO-dhfr- cells grow in suspension when cultured in serum-free medium. Although this offers advantages in some applications, in most production systems adherent cell growth is preferable. Gene transfection, clonal selection and amplification can be easier for adherent cells; the density of immobilized cells is often higher than those in suspension culture, which results in a higher protein productivity; washout of cells by perfused medium during continuous fermentation can be avoided; for high-throughput microplate assays, adherent cells are preferred to facilitate medium changes and cell washing. It has been proved that purified vitronectin alone was able to mediate attachment and spreading of CHO cells in serum-free medium. So we constructed a tricistronic expression vector expressing Igf-1, Vitronectin and Bel-2 at the same time. The vector was transfected into CHO-dhfr- cells and one clone, namely CHO-IVB2, expressing high level of the three proteins was screened out by Western blot. The cell line showed similar apoptosis-resistant and serum-independent properties to CHO-IB, an engineered cell line constructed before. When cultured in IMEM protein-free medium without any components supplemented, CHO-IVB can grow adherently. The viable cell numbers and growth rate of CHO-IVB were much higher than CHO-IB, making CHO-IVB an apoptosis-resistant host for production of recombinant proteins which can grow adherently in protein-free medium.

Animals↗

Matrix-bound plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 inhibits the invasion of human monocytes into interstitial tissue.

Invasion of tissue by monocytes in the course of cellular immune reactions is a multistep process that is thought to be based on the action of urokinase type plasminogen activator (u-PA), an ubiquitous serine protease able to convert the zymogen plasminogen into the active protease plasmin. Expression and occupation of urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptors (u-PA-R) are known to be up-regulated by IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha, and endogenously occupied u-PA-R were found to be instrumental in monocyte invasiveness. We used the amnion invasion assay to investigate whether monocyte invasiveness is affected by matrix-bound plasminogen activator inhibitors (PAI) and by fluid phase u-PA. We show in this study that preincubation of amnion membranes with 1.5 U/cm2 PAI-1 decreases invasion of IFN-gamma activated monocytes by 70% compared with controls. Anti-vitronectin antibodies, which block PAI-1 binding to the matrix, abrogate the inhibitory effect of PAI-1 on monocyte invasiveness, indicating that active PAI-1 is bound via matrix-associated vitronectin. In contrast, preincubation of the amnion membrane with PAI-2 which does not bind to the extracellular matrix has no effect on monocyte invasiveness. Finally, the inhibitory action of matrix-bound PAI-1 can be abrogated by addition of 5 IU/ml u-PA to the monocytes in the invasion chamber. These findings indicate that monocyte invasiveness might be regulated not only by expression and occupation of u-PA-R but also by matrix-bound PAI-1.

Amnion↗

Characterization of human neutrophil ecto-protein kinase activity released by kinase substrates.

Although most studies of protein phosphorylation have focused on intracellular protein kinases, evidence for protein kinase activity on the surface of several types of cells has been described. Evidence was recently provided for the existence of ecto-protein kinase activity on the surface of human neutrophils. Evidence for three distinct ecto-protein kinase activities was detected, one that phosphorylates endogenous surface proteins, one that phosphorylates exogenous substrates in a cAMP-independent manner and is released in the presence of substrate, and a low level of activity of one that phosphorylates exogenous Kemptide in a cAMP-dependent manner. To begin to elucidate its role in neutrophil function, we have characterized several properties of the releasable ecto-protein kinase activity on human neutrophils. This enzyme activity was inhibited by impermeant stilbene disulfonic acids, which are known to alter neutrophil function, as well as by impermeant sulfhydryl reactive agents. Enzyme activity was detectable at physiologic concentrations of Mg2+, but was higher in the presence of Mn2+. Protein kinase activity was strongly inhibited by heparin, whereas trifluoperazine, cAMP, and cGMP had little effect on kinase activity. Protein kinase activity was selectively removed from the cell surface by incubation with the ecto-kinase substrates casein and phosvitin, but the enzyme was not released by phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C. Repeated exposure of neutrophils to substrate depleted ecto-protein kinase activity from the cell surface, but activity was rapidly restored by incubation in buffer lacking substrate. The released protein kinase had a Km for ATP of approximately 0.5 microM and a pH maximum between 7.0 and 7.5. At least four ecto-protein kinase substrates were detected in serum; vitronectin was identified as one of these substrates by immunoprecipitation studies. Although the exact role of ecto-protein kinase activity in neutrophil function remains undefined, the identification of vitronectin as a serum substrate suggests that it interacts with a physiologically important substrate.

4,4'-Diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-Disulfonic Acid↗

Platelet glycoprotein IIb-IIIa-like proteins mediate endothelial cell attachment to adhesive proteins and the extracellular matrix.

The adherence of human umbilical vein endothelial (HUVE) cells to adhesive matrix proteins was examined to determine if cell attachment and spreading were mediated by the glycoprotein (GP) IIb-IIIa complex on endothelial cells. The HUVE cells adhered well to glass slides that had been coated with fibronectin, vitronectin, fibrinogen, or von Willebrand factor but failed to adhere to albumin-coated or to uncoated slides. The HUVE cell attachment and spreading on vitronectin, fibrinogen, and von Willebrand factor were greatly inhibited by a GP IIb-IIIa monoclonal antibody (7E3). In contrast, HUVE cell attachment to fibronectin was not inhibited by 7E3 but was inhibited by a fibronectin-receptor antibody (alpha GP140), which had no effect on cell attachment to the other adhesive proteins. The 7E3 antibody, but not alpha GP140, disrupted HUVE cell monolayers by detaching cells from their naturally occurring extracellular matrix. These data indicate that platelet GP IIb-IIIa-like proteins mediate the adherence of HUVE cells to specific adhesive proteins and to the extracellular matrix.

Cell Adhesion↗

Generation and characterization of specific antibodies directed to the binding domain of adhesive molecules.

Antibodies were selected in rabbits using as immunogens five synthetic peptides representing the putative cell-binding domains of von Willebrand factor (vWF), fibrinogen (Fn), fibronectin (Fn) and vitronectin. All peptide immunogens contained the sequence Arg-Gly-Asp, thought to be involved in ligand binding to platelet glycoprotein (GP) IIb-IIIa; two of them corresponded to two distinct regions in the alpha-chain of fibrinogen. All anti-peptide antibodies recognized the corresponding immunogen, and four of them, i.e. all except the anti-vitronectin antibody, reacted with the native macromolecule containing the cognate sequence. Each antibody was specific for the corresponding adhesive protein and did not cross-react with any of the others in spite of the presence of the common sequence Arg-Gly-Asp. Two murine monoclonal antibodies reacting with the vWF peptide and with native vWF were used to define the amino acid residues involved in the antigen-antibody interaction. These residues included the glycine and aspartic acid residues of the common Arg-Gly-Asp sequence, as well as other residues specific to the vWF sequence. The antibodies were potent inhibitors of vWF binding to GP IIb-IIIa. The present studies demonstrate that the putative cell binding domains of four adhesive proteins may be part of distinct antigenic epitopes with unique conformations in each of the four GP IIb-IIIa ligands. Moreover, they provide evidence that the Arg-Gly-Asp sequence is the only, or essential, GP IIb-IIIa binding site in the vWF molecule.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Immunochemical identification of abnormal constituents in the dermis of pseudoxanthoma elasticum patients.

Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) is a connective tissue inherited disease characterized by dermal alterations and mineralization of the elastin fibres. To investigate its pathogenesis, which is still unknown, antibodies against the principal connective tissue components were assayed on ultrathin sections of dermis from 7 PXE subjects and 5 age matched controls. Both control and PXE elastin fibres were positive for heparan, dermatan and chondroitin 0-sulphates, decorin and biglycan. In PXE, elastin fibres were also highly positive for chondroitin 6-sulphate, vitronectin, fibronectin and serum amyloid antigen. Vitronectin and fibronectin were mostly concentrated in the areas of dense mineralization within the elastin fibres. The abnormal microfilament aggregates, often seen in PXE dermis, were positive for all the above mentioned molecular species as well as for collagen types I and III and fibrillin; on the contrary, they were always negative for elastin. The results suggest that PXE is a complex disorder, in which the whole extracellular matrix is deeply disturbed. Therefore, without excluding an elastin gene defect, the data seem rather to suggest that PXE is a disorder of the mechanisms controlling the production of matrix constituents and that elastin mineralization is caused by molecules abnormally produced and entrapped within the fibre during elastin fibrogenesis.

Actin Cytoskeleton↗

Localization of the alpha v subfamily of integrins and their putative ligands in synovial lining cell layer.

OBJECTIVE: The lining cell layer of the synovium proliferates strongly in rheumatoid arthritis. It has been suggested that it has a central role in the destruction of cartilage. We have analyzed the structure of the extracellular matrix and the adhesion molecules of normal, osteoarthritic and rheumatoid lining cell layer. METHODS: We localized the alpha v integrin subunit and its 4 putative partner beta subunits in synovial samples by using indirect immunofluorescence. The specimens were also analyzed by confocal microscopy. Indirect immunofluorescence was also used to analyze the ligands of alpha v integrins, namely fibronectin and vitronectin. RESULTS: The alpha v integrin was abundant in the lining cell layer of normal and osteoarthritic synovia, whereas it was not expressed in the proliferating rheumatoid lining cell layers. A similar expression pattern was found for beta 5 subunit, suggesting that it is the major partner for alpha v. However, also some alpha v beta 1 and alpha v beta 3 heterodimers may be present. The confocal microscopy revealed the presence of both alpha v beta 5 positive and negative lining cells. The putative ligands for alpha v integrins, namely fibronectin and vitronectin were found in the lining cell layer of all the synovial specimens. CONCLUSION: In spite of the proliferation of the lining cell layer in rheumatoid inflammation, the extracellular matrix stays very similar to that in normal and osteoarthritic synovium, whereas the pattern of the adhesion receptors is completely altered.

Aged↗

Terminal complement pathway activation and low lysis inhibitors in rheumatoid arthritis synovial fluid.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate terminal complement activation and lysis inhibitors in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: C5a, vitronectin and clusterin were quantitated by enzyme immunoassays in plasma and synovial fluid (SF) in RA (n = 30) and osteoarthritis (OA) (n = 11). RESULTS: In RA the concentration of C5a was 3-fold increased in plasma (21.9 vs 7.2 micrograms/l) and 5-fold increased in SF (7.8 vs 1.7 micrograms/l) compared to OA. The SF/plasma ratios for C5a, vitronectin and clusterin were 0.35, 0.36 and 0.23, respectively, not significantly different in the 2 diseases. CONCLUSION: SF terminal pathway activation in RA combined with low local levels of lysis inhibitors might allow lytic or sublytic attacks on local cells, resulting in inflammation and cell damage.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗

Inhibition of thrombin by antithrombin III and heparin cofactor II in vivo.

The critical role of thrombin in the pathogenesis of venous and arterial thrombosis, and the effectiveness of glycosaminoglycans as antithrombotic drugs are well known. Antithrombin III is a major inhibitor of thrombin and augmentation of its inhibitory actions by heparin is the basis for the clinical uses of heparin. Recent clinical and experimental studies have demonstrated that another glycosaminoglycan, dermatan sulfate, is an effective antithrombotic drug. Dermatan sulfate catalyses the inhibition of thrombin by heparin cofactor II. The concentrations of heparin cofactor II are higher in the plasmas of individuals with congenital antithrombin III deficiency and pregnant women than controls. The role of heparin cofactor II as a physiologic thrombin inhibitor is unknown. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to quantify thrombin-heparin cofactor II and thrombin-antithrombin III endogenous to the plasmas of adult antithrombin III-Hamilton deficient subjects, their siblings with normal antithrombin III levels, pregnant women at term and 3 to 5 days after delivery. Both thrombin-antithrombin III and thrombin-heparin cofactor II complexed with vitronectin were detected in all the plasmas. Significantly, the concentrations of thrombin-heparin cofactor II-vitronectin were higher in the plasmas of congenital antithrombin III deficient subjects and in pre- and post-delivery plasmas than those of normal subjects. In addition, the concentrations of thrombin-heparin cofactor II decreased 3 to 5 days after delivery, reflecting the disappearance of the catalytically active dermatan sulfate elaborated by the placenta. Thus, heparin cofactor II normally inactivates thrombin in vivo, with its role increasing in conditions associated with high levels of heparin cofactor II and/or dermatan sulfate.

Adult↗

Serum amyloid A binds specific extracellular matrix glycoproteins and induces the adhesion of resting CD4+ T cells.

Serum amyloid A (SAA), a prototypic acute phase protein reactant, exists naturally in the serum of healthy individuals. However, the levels of SAA in serum and its presence in sites of inflammation increase during certain chronic diseases associated with a local elevation of cytokine concentrations. Although the chemical structure of SAA is defined, its putative immunologic role(s) is still obscure. Nevertheless, it has been shown that 1) SAA acts as a chemoattractant and regulator of the migration of monocytes, polymorphonuclear cells, and T lymphocytes through endothelial cell monolayers; and 2) SAA and its proteolytically degraded N-terminal amyloid A fragment contain an extracellular matrix (ECM)-related cell adhesion epitopes. Herein, we examined whether SAA can associate with specific ECM moieties, and whether immobilized SAA-ECM complexes affect T lymphocyte adhesion. Radiolabeled human rSAA ([125I]rSAA) interacted avidly (Kd = 10(-9) M) and transiently with intact ECM, laminin, and vitronectin, but not with fibronectin or collagen type II. The binding of [125I]rSAA to ECM and laminin was inhibited by unlabeled rSAA and by the AA fragment, but not by the C-terminal portion of SAA (amino acid residues 2-82 and 77-104, respectively). Upon interactions with SAA or amyloid A, immobilized ECM, laminin, and vitronectin induced the adhesion of resting human CD4+ T cells in an apparently beta 1-integrin-mediated manner. Thus, the ECM appears to serve as a temporary anchorage site for SAA and amyloid A, and these ECM-complexed molecules seem to be involved in regulating the recruitment and accumulation of immunocytes in extravascular inflammatory compartments.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Studies on alpha v beta 3/ligand interactions using a [3H]SK&F-107260 binding assay.

The vitronectin receptor (alpha v beta 3) is a member of the integrin superfamily that mediates cell attachment on arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD)-containing adhesive proteins. A solid-phase microtiter assay was developed to investigate the binding properties of purified alpha v beta 3, using tritiated [3H]SK&F-107260 as the radiolabeled ligand. alpha v beta 3, purified from human platelets, human placenta, and chicken osteoclasts, bound [3H]SK&F-107260 saturably and specifically. Saturation binding studies using platelet alpha v beta 3 revealed a single class of high affinity binding sites, exhibiting a Kd of 1.44 nM and Bmax of 0.20 mol of [3H]SK&F-107260/mol of alpha v beta 3. [3H]SK&F-107260 binding was inhibited by a variety of RGD-containing peptides and by the snake venom protein echistatin, whereas an RGE-containing peptide and four nonpeptide fibrinogen receptor (alpha IIb beta 3) antagonists failed to do so. This study shows that alpha v beta 3 exhibits distinct ligand specificity from the structurally homologous fibrinogen receptor, alpha IIb beta 3. The relative potencies of the RGD-containing peptides in inhibiting [3H]SK&F-107260 binding to alpha v beta 3 were the same as their relative potencies in inhibiting biotinylated-fibrinogen binding to the receptor. alpha v beta 3 purified from chicken osteoclasts and human placenta bound [3H]SK&F-107260 with similar affinities and displayed the same pharmacological profile as the platelet vitronectin receptor. The alpha v beta 3 antagonists inhibited the attachment of MG63 human osteosarcoma cells or rat osteoclasts to recombinant rat osteopontin. The rank order of potency of the antagonists in the cell adhesion assays was similar to that of the receptor binding assay, suggesting that the purified alpha v beta 3-[3H]SK&F-107260 binding assay is a valid reflection of the ligand binding to alpha v beta 3 on cell systems.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Selective induction of a glycoprotein IIIa ligand-induced binding site by fibrinogen and von Willebrand factor.

Ligand-induced binding sites (LIBS) are neoantigenic regions of glycoprotein (GP)IIb-IIIa that are exposed upon interaction of the receptor with the ligand fibrinogen or the ligand recognition sequence (RGDS). LIBS have been suggested to contribute to postreceptor occupancy events such as full-scale platelet aggregation, adhesion to collagen, and clot retraction. This study examined the induction requirements of a GPIIIa LIBS with regard to ligand specificity. Through the use of the anti-LIBS D3, we report that this complex-activating antibody induces fibrinogen- and von Willebrand factor-binding to GPIIb-IIIa on intact platelets. Bound ligand was detected by flow cytometric analysis and platelet aggregation assays. These bound ligands increased the number of D3-binding sites and altered the affinity of D3 for GPIIb-IIIa on platelets. In contrast, activation of platelet GPIIb-IIIa by D3 did not increase the binding of another RGD-containing ligand, vitronectin. Furthermore, bound vitronectin on thrombin-stimulated platelets did not cause the expression of the D3 LIBS epitope. We conclude direct activation of GPIIb-IIIa in the absence of platelet activation results in selective ligand interaction and that D3 LIBS induction requires the binding of the multivalent ligands, fibrinogen or von Willebrand factor. Thus, the region of GPIIIa recognized by D3 may be an important regulatory domain in ligand-receptor interactions that directly mediate platelet aggregation.

Animals↗

Noncollagenous matrix components of glomeruli in congenital nephrotic syndrome of the Finnish type: evidence of abnormal splitting of nidogen?

The congenital nephrotic syndrome of the Finnish type (CNF) is a rare autosomal recessive disease with proteinuria starting already in utero, prematurity and nephrotic syndrome developing within the first weeks of life. The basic defect of this disease is unknown but has been suggested to be restricted to the kidney glomeruli and especially to the glomerular basement membrane (GBM). The location of the major matrix components in the glomeruli of CNF patient kidneys has previously been reported. Using indirect immunofluorescence microscopy we here describe the more recently characterized components of the glomerular extracellular matrix, including nidogen, tenascin, vitronectin and chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan in CNF and control kidney glomeruli. The accumulation of tenascin and chondroitin sulfate in the renal interstitium as well as a more granular deposition pattern of vitronectin in the mesangium of CNF glomeruli as compared to the control kidneys were observed. These changes were considered secondary to the massive proteinuria, reflected also by the presence of glomerular sclerosis and interstitial fibrosis in the CNF kidney samples. Additionally, analysis of GBM components by immunoblotting revealed either increased or decreased proportionate amounts of fibronectin and laminin in the GBM of CNF kidneys, respectively. Interestingly, different proportionate amounts of proteolytic fragments of nidogen were found in CNF glomeruli as compared to controls. Equal levels of nidogen mRNA were found in the cortical tissue of CNF and control glomeruli. Since nidogen is crucial for the supramolecular organization of basement membranes, these results suggest that an unusual fragmentation of nidogen, due to abnormal assembly, degradation or reorganization of glomerular extracellular matrix, may be associated with the basic defect of CNF.

Basement Membrane↗