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Platelet microbicidal protein alone and in combination with antibiotics reduces Staphylococcus aureus adherence to platelets in vitro.

Bacterial adherence to platelets on the cardiac valve surface is believed to be critical in the induction of infective endocarditis. Recent studies have confirmed that thrombin-activated platelets secrete platelet microbicidal protein (PMP), which can both kill and exert nonlethal antiadherence effects against endovascular pathogens. In the present study, we quantified the influence of antibiotic and/or PMP exposures on in vitro platelet adherence of two Staphylococcus aureus strains, identical by DNA restriction and cell wall protein profiles, that differed in their susceptibility to PMP-induced killing (PMPs or PMPr, respectively). Adherence assays were performed by flow cytometry in the presence of sublethal PMP concentrations (1 to 2.5 micrograms/ml) alone or in combination with ampicillin (AMP) alone, sulbactam (SUL) alone, or AMP plus SUL (AMP-SUL), at levels achievable in serum. Exposure of the PMPs and PMPr S. aureus strains to antibiotics (for 2 h at 37 degrees C) prior to flow cytometry resulted in no substantive changes in the percent adherence to platelets compared with that for S. aureus cells not exposed to antibiotics, except for modestly increased adherence of both PMPs and PMPr cells exposed to AMP-SUL (18.5 and 15.8% increases, respectively). Addition of PMP to antibiotic-S. aureus mixtures (final 30 min) caused a significant decrease in S. aureus adherence to platelets, for both the PMPs and PMPr S. aureus strains, compared with antibiotic exposure alone (e.g., reduction in platelet adherence from 57.9 +/- 8.2% to 12.2 +/- 3.6% for PMPs cells exposed to AMP-SUL and PMP [P = 0.01]). Moreover, addition of PMP following exposure of the PMPs and PMPr strains to AMP-SUL reversed the enhanced bacterium-platelet adherence observed with such antibiotic exposures alone (P < or = 0.005). These data demonstrate that PMP exerts a potent antiplatelet adherence effect which is independent of its microbicidal capacity, rendering S. aureus cells less adherent to platelets in the presence or absence of antibiotics. Reduction of microbial adherence to platelets by PMP alone or with antibiotics provides further insight into the mechanism(s) that may be involved in host defense and antibiotic prophylaxis of infective endocarditis and other endovascular infections.

Animals↗

Platelet-leukocyte interaction and platelet activation in migraine: a link to ischemic stroke?

OBJECTIVES: Migraine has been identified as an independent risk factor for ischemic stroke. Both neurogenic inflammation and platelet activation have been linked to the pathophysiology of migraine. Increased platelet activation results in up-regulation of specific binding to leukocytes which promotes pro-inflammatory leukocyte secretion and their tethering to endothelium, a mechanism that has been demonstrated in stroke and which could provide a link to migraine. We aimed to determine whether platelet-leukocyte aggregation is increased in migraine patients outside an acute attack. METHODS: Seventy two patients with migraine according to IHS criteria were compared to a control group (n = 72). Whole blood flow cytometry was used to quantify the activation dependent P selectin on the platelet, and to assess the fraction of platelets bound to the different leukocyte subsets. RESULTS: Migraine patients showed significantly more platelet-leukocyte aggregates compared to the control subjects (p = 0.003). This effect was driven by an increased polymorphonuclear cell-platelet aggregation (p = 0.003) whereas platelet aggregation with monocytes and lymphocytes was not. Platelet activation was also increased (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In migraine pro-inflammatory platelet adhesion to leukocytes occurs during the headache free interval similar to that seen in acute coronary and cerebrovascular syndromes. This may suggest a link between migraine and stroke on a cellular level.

Acute Disease↗

Studies on the binding of immunoglobulins and immune complexes to the surface of human platelets: IgG molecules react with platelet Fc receptors with the CH3 domain.

Suspensions of human platelets were incubated with various immunoglobulin preparations and subsequently stained with FITC-conjugated antisera. Incubation with monomeric, IgG, but not with monomeric IgM, IgA, IgD nor with IgE, gave a positive staining of the platelets. Incubation of platelets with monomeric IgG1 and IgG3 as well as with Fc and pFc'-fragments from IgG3 also gave a positive staining while incubation with monomeric IgG2 and IgG4 did not. Thus, IgG binds to Fc receptors on the surface of human platelets with the CH3 domain of the Fc region. Heat aggregation also caused binding of IgG2 but not with IgG4 proteins to human platelet Fc receptors. The majority of platelet preparations both from ITP and SLE patients gave a positive staining using direct immunofluorescence technique. Incubation of normal human platelets with sera from ITP and SLE patients gave a strong surface staining of normal platelets. Strong staining was also obtained with pepsin-digested sera from most patients with ITP while pepsin-digested sera from patients with SLE did not give a positive staining. It is therefore concluded that the majority of sera from patients with ITP contain antibodies with specificities for platelet surface antigens while sera from patients with SLE contain immune complexes that react with platelet Fc receptors through the Fc parts of the IgG antibodies.

Animals↗

Heterogeneity of human platelets. I. Metabolic and kinetic evidence suggestive of young and old platelets.

Human platelets have been separated into two extreme density populations by centrifugation in specific density media. A large-heavy platelet population with specific gravity > 1.055 and a light-small population with specific gravity < 1.046 were obtained, each representing approximately 15-20% of the total population volume. The average volume per platelet of the separated large-heavy and light-small platelet populations was 12 and 5 mu(3) respectively. When data are expressed per milliliter platelets or per gram wet weight, the large-heavy platelet population had a 2-fold greater glycogen content, 1.3-fold greater orthophosphate content, 1.3-fold greater total adenine nucleotide content, 4.2-fold greater rate of glycogenolysis, 2.6-fold greater rate of glycolysis, 2.9-fold greater rate of protein synthesis, and 5.7-fold greater rate of glycogen synthesis. Significant differences were not obtained with respect to total lipid content or total lipid synthesis. The large-heavy platelet had a 2.5-fold greater resistance to osmotic shock as measured by adenosine triphosphate (ATP) or adenosine diphosphate (ADP) release. These data, as well as diisopropyl fluorophosphate (DFP(32)) survival curves in rabbits, indicate that large-heavy platelets have a greater metabolic potential and suggest that they may be the young platelets which progress with age to light-small platelets with a diminished metabolic potential.

Adenine Nucleotides↗

The stimulatory effect of platelets and platelet membranes on the procoagulant activity of leukocytes.

Leukocytes can generate procoagulant (tissue factor) activity when incubated with endotoxin. These studies were undertaken to determine whether platelets could influence the procoagulant activity generated by leukocytes. Intact or disrupted platelets (rabbit or human) enhanced the clot-promoting properties of rabbit leukocytes. The enhancing effect of human platelets on human leukocytes required the presence of human serum (devoid of factor VII and X activities). When platelets were incubated with endotoxin in the absence of leukocytes, no increase in their clot-promoting properties was discernible. However, a mixture of platelets, leukocytes, and endotoxin generated procoagulant activity which appeared rapidly and was fivefold greater than that produced by leukocytes incubated with endotoxin alone. The enhancement produced by platelets was even more pronounced if homogenates were used. The platelet effect was examined in more detail by the substitution of membranes, granules, and the "soluble" fraction for whole platelets in the test system. The stimulating activity was localized to the particulate fractions, i.e., membranes and granules. Prior treatment of platelet membranes with phospholipase C or gangliosides or by extraction of lipid resulted in loss of enhancing activity, whereas no inhibition was observed after exposure to neuraminidase or trypsin. It is proposed that platelets contribute a membrane lipoprotein surface which enhances the procoagulant activity generated by leukocytes in the presence of endotoxin. This mechanism may be involved in some of the clinical and pathologic manifestations of gram-negative sepsis with disseminated intravascular coagulation.

Adsorption↗

Deletion of the platelet-specific alloantigen PlA1 from platelets in Glanzmann's thrombasthenia.

Expression of a Platelet-specific alloantigen (Pl(A1)) was studied in five unrelated patients with Glanzmann's thrombasthenia using immunologic techniques based on release of (51)Cr from tagged platelets by Pl(A1)-specific antibody. Less than 1% of the normal quantity of Pl(A1) could be detected on platelets of patients 1, 2, and 3; platelets from patients 4 and 5 contained 22 and 12% of normal levels, respectively. After treatment with bromelain, platelets from patients 4 and 5, but not those from patients 1, 2, and 3, released (51)Cr as well as normal Pl(A1)-positive platelets when exposed to anti-Pl(A1). Platelets from each of the five patients reacted normally with drug-dependent antibodies and with autoantibodies specific for platelets. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of thrombasthenic platelets showed marked deficiencies of glycoproteins IIbalpha and III (P < 0.0005), confirming recent reports of others. Deficiency of the two proteins as determined by gel scanning was more pronounced in patients 1, 2, and 3 than in patients 4 and 5. Normal levels of glycoproteins IIbalpha and III were found in platelets from normal subjects negative for Pl(A1). These observations are consistent with the possibility that the Pl(A1) antigen is located on one or both of the glycoproteins lacking in Glanzmann's thrombasthenia, although other explanations are possible. They further suggest that patients with thrombasthenia may be heterogeneous in respect to the degree to which these glycoproteins are deleted. The Pl(A1) antigen can be measured with considerable precision and may provide a marker useful for the diagnosis and study of Glanzmann's disease.

Blood Platelets↗

In vivo platelet production from mature megakaryocytes: does platelet release occur via proplatelets?

Although platelets are universally accepted to be born from megakaryocytes (MKs), the mechanism by which platelets are formed and released from MKs in vivo remains controversial. One theory, known as the proplatelet theory, postulates that platelets are released from proplatelet processes protruding from MKs into sinusoids located in the bone marrow hematopoietic compartment. Proplatelet formation (PPF) has been observed in in vitro experiments involving detailed analyses of related molecular events. PPF has also been used as a marker of MK maturation. However, PPF is suggested to be a nonphysiological phenomenon. On the other hand, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses have revealed platelet formation via explosive fragmentation of MK cytoplasm in bone marrow and lung capillaries prepared by immersion fixation. Moreover, TEM and scanning electron microscopy studies of liquid-cultured MKs kept in suspension show that platelet formation occurs without PPF. Rather, an explosive and global fragmentation of the MK cytoplasm composed of platelet territories has been reported as the mechanism of platelet formation. In addition, in vivo and ex vivo observations of platelet release from MKs with phase-contrast microscopy strongly support the explosive-fragmentation theory. With all observations taken into account, PPF may not be a prerequisite for platelet release from MKs under real-life conditions. In this review, a new "protoplatelet" concept is proposed to support the explosive-fragmentation theory. Additionally, the role of the lungs in platelet production is reviewed and discussed.

Animals↗

[Platelet function in acute myeloid leukemia. II. Aggregation of isolated platelets].

In 22 patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (17 cases of myeloblastic leukaemia, 4 cases of myelomonocytic leukaemia and 1 case of undifferentiated-cell leukaemia) platelets were isolated from the plasma by the method of Nicholls and Hampton as modified by Levy-Toledano by centrifugation in albumin gradient. The aim of platelet isolation was their "concentration" in cases of thrombocytopenia to values making possible aggregation tests, and platelet separation from the influence of plasma factors. Then aggregation of isolated platelets caused by ADP was studied. In 16 out of 22 patients a fall of aggregation was observed, with the mean values of aggregation rate and intensity were significantly lower. Parallelly done determinations of aggregating activity released from the platelets by thrombin showed lower values as compared with platelets from healthy subjects. In might be thought, in this connection, that the demonstrated reduction of isolated platelets is associated with a diminution of the nucleotide pool or disturbances of the platelet release reaction. The disturbances of the platelet release reaction. The disturbances of aggregation of isolated platelets and reduction of the aggregating activity were most pronounced in acute myelomonocytic leukaemia.

Adolescent↗

Variation of class I HLA antigen expression among platelet density cohorts: a possible index of platelet age?

Platelet alloantigens and other surface markers were studied in platelet cohorts of different mean density, using monoclonal and polyclonal probes. High density (HD) platelets expressed 12% more P1A1 molecules (46,942) than low density (LD) platelets (41,892). However, LD platelets carried 42% more HLA-A2 molecules (6,267 +/- 184) than HD platelets (4,406 +/- 232) (P less than .01) and 55% more class I HLA antigens (17,034 +/- 2,062 v 11,007 +/- 2,190) (P = .05). The platelet subpopulations did not differ in their content of glycoprotein (GP)IIb/IIIa complex or Baka antigen. The difference in expression of class I HLA antigens on HD and LD platelets is consistent with two possibilities: either class I HLA molecules are acquired from plasma or they are released into plasma as platelets age in circulation. Accordingly, class I HLA molecules may provide a useful marker of platelet age.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Spectrin is associated with membrane-bound actin filaments in platelets and is hydrolyzed by the Ca2+-dependent protease during platelet activation.

We recently showed that platelets contain submembranous actin filaments that are linked to glycoprotein (GP) Ib on the plasma membrane. In the present study, experiments were performed to determine whether spectrin was associated with these filaments. The membrane-bound filaments were isolated from Triton X-100 (Sigma, St Louis) lysates of unstimulated platelets by differential centrifugation. Platelet spectrin was detected immunologically by using antibodies against human brain and RBC spectrin. Immunoblots showed that platelet spectrin consisted of two polypeptides (mol wt 240,000 and 235,000) that were similar in apparent mol wt to those of the alpha and beta chains of brain spectrin but differed slightly from those of RBC spectrin (mol wt 240,000 and 220,000). Immunoprecipitation experiments identified platelet spectrin as two minor polypeptides migrating on sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-polyacrylamide gels between actin-binding protein (mol wt 250,000) and the platelet polypeptide P235 (mol wt 235,000). Immunoblots of fractions isolated from Triton X-100-lysed platelets revealed that the alpha and beta chains of platelet spectrin were associated almost entirely with the actin filaments that were linked to the plasma membrane. Little spectrin was recovered in the Triton X-100-soluble fraction or with the actin filaments that were not membrane bound. During activation of platelets with thrombin or ionophore A23187, the alpha and beta chains of spectrin were hydrolyzed, generating a major degradation product of mol wt 160,000 and a minor one of mol wt 170,000. These two hydrolytic products were also generated in Triton X-100 lysates incubated in the presence of Ca2+ but were not produced when lysates were treated with leupeptin, ethylene glycol bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (EGTA), or N-ethylmaleimide, known inhibitors of the Ca2+-dependent protease. These experiments show that spectrin is a previously unidentified component of the membrane-bound actin filament network and that hydrolysis of spectrin by the Ca2+-dependent protease may regulate the interactions of the filaments during platelet activation.

Adult↗

Polymorphic glycoprotein-1 on mouse platelets: possible role of Pgp-1 and LFA-1 in antibody-dependent platelet cytotoxicity involving complement.

The presence of the Pgp-1 glycoprotein on mouse platelets is demonstrated by antibody-binding techniques, by immunoprecipitation, and by transblotting using the monoclonal antibody (MoAb) C71/26 against Pgp-1. C71/26 immunoprecipitates as a broad band of mol wt 87,000 to 100,000 as determined by radioiodination of the platelet cell surface and by the 3H-sodium borohydride labeling technique. Immunoblotting showed Pgp-1 expression on platelets to be quantitatively similar to its presence on macrophages and resolved platelet Pgp-1 into two bands of mol wt 87,000 and 97,000 whereas Pgp-1 on parasite-elicited peritoneal macrophages showed 82,000 and 87,000 mol wt species. Platelets and monocyte/macrophage cells from either peripheral blood or from the peritoneal cavity showed homogeneous binding of Pgp-1 antibody to greater than 97% of cells by flow cytometry. In contrast, lymphocytes from peripheral blood or from the spleen showed a heterogeneous binding pattern with 20% to 30% of cells being negative, and the majority weakly positive. In functional studies, MoAbs against CR1 and CR3 substantially inhibited platelet immune adherence, whereas C71/26 showed only marginal inhibitor. In contrast, C71/26 and other MoAbs against Pgp-1 inhibited platelet-dependent cytotoxicity of antibody-coated sheep erythrocytes in the presence of C5-deficient mouse plasma whereas M1/70 against CR3 showed no effect. In this assay, MoAbs against the alpha- and beta-subunits of leukocyte functional molecule LFA-1 also inhibited platelet cytotoxicity. These results show that the platelet cell surface moieties Pgp-1 and LFA-1 are involved in or closely associated with antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity by platelets.

Animals↗

Aortocoronary artery vein-graft disease: experimental and clinical approach for the understanding of the role of platelets and platelet inhibitors.

On the basis of our recent experimental studies in dogs and pigs and a prospective clinical study in 407 patients, we describe four consecutive phases of aortocoronary artery bypass vein-graft disease. We focus on the role of platelets in its pathogenesis and of platelet inhibitor drugs in its prevention: (1) an early postoperative phase of platelet thrombotic occlusion, which is significantly prevented by platelet inhibitor therapy when started in the perioperative period; (2) an intermediate phase of platelet-related intimal hyperplasia, within the first postoperative year, which is not prevented with platelet inhibitor therapy; (3) a late phase of occlusion, towards the end of the first postoperative year, in which intimal hyperplasia or complicating platelet thrombi superimposed on the intimal hyperplasia may contribute to occlusion--platelet inhibitor therapy is of significant benefit in the prevention of the thrombotic type of occlusion; (4) a phase of atherosclerotic disease, after the first postoperative year, in which the role of platelets and of platelet inhibitor therapy is under investigation. Vein graft disease and occlusion rates vary widely according to time after operation and risk factors of occlusion. Currently, it appears that occlusion rates are decreasing, perhaps related to better surgical and technical experience.

Animals↗

Multimeric structure of platelet factor VIII/von Willebrand factor: the presence of larger multimers and their reassociation with thrombin-stimulated platelets.

The multimeric structure of platelet factor VIII/von Willebrand factor (FVIII/vWF) in cell extracts and in collagen and thrombin releasates has been analyzed by SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed by detection with 125I-anti-FVIII/vWF. Platelets contained larger multimers than those normally present in plasma. When secreted FVIII/vWF was analyzed, all platelets. In contrast, in thrombin releasates the larger multimers were lost in a manner dependent on divalent cations, time, and thrombin dose. This loss could not be accounted for by modification of FVIII/vWF by thrombin or platelet enzymes since no effect of thrombin on the multimeric structure of FVIII/vWF in the absence of platelets or in the presence of platelet lysates was observed. Large multimers of 125I-labeled purified FVIII/vWF underwent divalent cation-dependent association with platelets in the presence of thrombin, indicating that the loss of FVIII/vWF from thrombin releasates was due to reassociation with the platelet. These studies show a structural difference between platelet and plasma FVIII/vWF that suggests a specific role for platelet FVIII/vWF in hemostasis.

Blood Coagulation Factors↗

Alloimmunization against the MHC antigens after platelet transfusions is due to contaminating leukocytes in the platelet suspension.

Repeated platelet transfusion to thrombocytopenic patients frequently induce anti HLA antibodies, which are responsible for transfusion refractoriness. As the transfused platelet suspensions usually contain 15-30% of the leukocytes originally present in the blood, it is not known whether these antibodies are raised by the platelets or by the contaminating leukocytes in the platelet suspensions. In the mouse, pure platelet suspensions are not able to induce a primary antibody response, as measured by the NIH test and the indirect immunofluorescence test on platelets and leukocytes, despite repeated injections. However, when the platelet suspensions are contaminated with leukocytes (10(3) or more/injection) an antibody response is induced. This response is higher than the response indiced by an equal amount of leukocytes alone. As in man the use of leukocyte poor platelets postpones the development of refractoriness to random platelets it is concluded that transfusions with leukocyte free platelets will probably prevent immunization against the HLA antigens.

Animals↗

Platelets, fibroblasts, and inflammation: tissue reactions to platelets injected subcutaneously.

Evidence from the literature indicates that platelets contain (besides mediators of acute inflammation) factors capable of stimulating fibroblastic growth: namely, serotonin and "platelet factors" demonstrable by their effect on tissue cultures of fibroblasts. The purpose of this study was to find out whether an inflammatory and a fibroblast-stimulating effect could be demonstrated in vivo, in the rat, using a single subcutaneous injection of concentrated platelets (platelet pellet). For comparison, rat brain, heart, and kidney tissue were homogenized under sterile conditions, spun down, and injected subcutaneously. Platelet pellets caused intense edema and neutrophil infiltration; after 8 days they had assumed a spherical shape and were surrounded by typical myofibroblasts. The 30 pellets of tissue homogenates induced a much milder acute inflammatory reaction; only one (a heart pellet) induced a recognizable myofibroblast reaction. The delayed appearance of myofibroblasts around platelet pellets was probably mediated by the neutrophils, which accumulated in large amounts around platelet pellets. Using this in vivo model, a direct fibroblast-stimulating effect of platelets was not demonstrable. It is pointed out that there are analogies between cellular reactions induced by injected platelet pellets and by intravascular platelet thrombi.

Animals↗

The effect of thrombin on the organization of human platelet membrane glycosphingolipids. The sphingosine composition of platelet glycolipids and ceramides.

Surface-exposed glycolipids in human platelets were investigated with nonpenetrating membrane probes, NaB3H4/galactose oxidase and NaB3H4/periodate. Trihexosylceramide, globoside, and hematoside were exposed in resting platelets. The incubation of platelets with thrombin resulted in a 50% reduction in the labeling of both trihexosylceramide and globoside and a 100% increase in labeling of hematoside on the platelet surface. The quantitation of glycolipids in platelets incubated with thrombin revealed no changes in the amounts of trihexosylceramide and globoside but there was an increase in hematoside. These experiments indicate that there is a specific rearrangement of glycolipids on the surface of thrombin-treated platelets. The study also showed that both ceramide A and B are present in platelets. The former contained 3.36 nmol of sphingosine and the latter 0.12 nmol of sphingosine/10(9) platelets. The sphingosine composition of ceramide B, glucosylceramide, and the minor platelet gangliosides was similar and they were composed of two-thirds erythrosphingosine (18:1) and one-third threosphingosine (18:1). The composition of lactosylceramide, trihexosylceramide, globoside, and hematoside was related to ceramide B and they contained about 60% erythrosphingosine (18:1), 25% threosphingosine (18:1), and 10% dihydrosphingosine (18:0). Ceramide A differed in that it was composed of 56% erythrosphingosine (18:1), 34.7% dihydrosphingosine (18:0), 4.3% threosphingosine (18:1), 2.7% erythrosphingosine (16:1), and 2.3% erythrosphingosine (17:1). The sphingosine composition of sphingomyelin resembled that of ceramide A but did not contain threosphingosine (18:1). The possibility that platelet ceramide B is involved n glycolipid metabolism and ceramide A in sphingomyelin metabolism is considered.

Blood Platelets↗

Neonatal platelets are less reactive than adult platelets to physiological agonists in whole blood.

Previous studies have reported that the platelets of healthy term neonates have either diminished or normal reactivity compared to the platelets of adults. To circumvent the methodologic problems of previous studies, we used a whole blood flow cytometric method to study neonatal platelet reactivity to thrombin, a combination of ADP and epinephrine, and U46619 (a stable thromboxane A2 analogue). Inclusion in the assay of the peptide GPRP (an inhibitor of fibrin polymerization) enabled us to study platelet reactivity to human alpha-thrombin in whole blood. Umbilical cord blood and day 1 peripheral blood were collected from 30 healthy term neonates and compared to peripheral blood from 20 normal adults. In whole blood samples without added agonist, there were no significant differences between neonates and adults in the platelet binding of monoclonal antibodies 6D1 (GPIb-specific) or 7E3 (GPIIb-IIIa complex-specific). As determined by S12 (a P-selectin-specific monoclonal antibody), neither neonates nor adults had circulating degranulated platelets. However, in both cord and peripheral whole blood samples, neonatal platelets were significantly less reactive than adult platelets to thrombin, ADP/epinephrine, and U46619, as determined by the extent of increase in the platelet surface expression of P-selectin and the GPIIb-IIIa complex, and the extent of decrease in the platelet surface expression of the GPIb-IX complex.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

15-Hydroxy-11 alpha,9 alpha-(epoxymethano)prosta-5↗

Platelet coagulation factor Va: the major secretory platelet phosphoprotein.

Platelet-derived coagulation factor Va is the primary secreted substrate for a thrombin-stimulation-dependent platelet kinase. Human platelet factor Va, consisting of a molecular weight (M(r)) 105,000 heavy chain and an M(r) 74,000 light chain, incorporates phosphate in at least two sites on the light chain. Phosphorylated factor Va represents 50% of the secreted protein-associated phosphate. This modification occurs exclusively at serine residues and is inhibited by H-7 and staurosporine, which suggests a protein kinase C (PKC)-mediated event. Purified plasma factor V and Va are phosphorylated in the light chain region by rat brain PKC. The activity of platelet factor Va in prothrombinase on platelets is not altered when phosphorylation is inhibited by staurosporine. Plasma-derived factor Va in the presence of thrombin stimulated platelets is phosphorylated on both the heavy chain and the light chain. Plasma factor V and factor Va heavy chain phosphorylation occurs without light chain phosphorylation in the presence of added 32P gamma-ATP and non-stimulated or collagen-stimulated platelets or casein kinase II. This differential phosphorylation of factor Va heavy and light chain shows two independent platelet kinase activities that act on factor Va. The heavy chain factor V/Va kinase activity is similar to casein kinase II, which we have demonstrated previously to act on factor Va and accelerate activated protein C inactivation of the cofactor. Our data show platelet-dependent phosphorylation of platelet and plasma factor V and Va resulting in significant covalent modifications of the cofactor. These modifications may play a role in directing the extracellular distribution of factor V and factor Va.

Blood Platelets↗