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Platelet heterogeneity: variation in coagulation complexes on platelet subpopulations.

OBJECTIVE: Previous work has shown that platelets stimulated with the combination of thrombin and convulxin, a glycoprotein VI agonist, develop 2 populations with different levels of alpha-granule factor V bound to the platelet surface. To evaluate whether this phenomenon is restricted to alpha-granule components or is a feature that can be generalized to other coagulation factors, we studied the binding of factors V, VIII, IX, and X on the surface of platelets stimulated by convulxin and thrombin. METHODS AND RESULTS: The relative amount of factors V, VIII, IX, and X on the surface of platelets stimulated with thrombin or convulxin plus thrombin was measured using flow cytometry. Simultaneous measurements of factor Xa and thrombin generation were obtained and correlated with the binding of coagulation factors on the platelet surface. The binding of factors V, VIII, IX, and X all increased on a subpopulation of platelets when stimulated with the combined agonists. The development of this platelet subpopulation is dependent on convulxin concentration and correlates with increases in factor Xa and thrombin generation. CONCLUSIONS: The development of increased coagulation factor binding to a subpopulation of platelets is not limited to alpha-granule components. Convulxin-induced increases in thrombin generation are regulated by the proportion of platelets with increased coagulation factor binding.

Blood Coagulation↗

High levels of platelet inhibition with abciximab despite heightened platelet activation and aggregation during thrombolysis for acute myocardial infarction: results from TIMI (thrombolysis in myocardial infarction) 14.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated platelet activation and aggregation in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) treated with thrombolytic therapy alone or with reduced-dose thrombolysis and concomitant abciximab. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study was performed in 20 control subjects and 51 patients with AMI before and after reperfusion with either alteplase or reteplase or reduced doses of these agents with concomitant abciximab. Platelet activation was assayed by platelet surface expression of P-selectin. Turbidometric platelet aggregation in response to ADP was measured in patients before thrombolytic therapy and 90 minutes and 24 hours after the beginning of thrombolytic therapy. P-selectin expression was greater at baseline in patients than normal control subjects (30.4% versus 9. 8%, P<0.0001) but was identical between the 2 groups after stimulation with ADP (64.4% versus 69.3%, P=0.37). However, at 24 hours, basal P-selectin expression declined in patients (P=0.0025 versus baseline), whereas ADP-stimulated P-selectin expression was lower in patients than in control subjects (48% versus 69%, P=0. 0004). When combined with reduced doses of either alteplase or reteplase, abciximab achieved 91% and 83% inhibition of 5 and 20 micromol/L ADP-induced platelet aggregation, which decreased to 46% and 40%, respectively, at 24 hours. No appreciable difference in the platelet inhibition profile of abciximab was observed between the 2 thrombolytics. CONCLUSIONS: Platelet activation and aggregation are heightened in the setting of thrombolysis for AMI. Despite this enhanced level of platelet activation, abciximab, combined with a reduced-dose thrombolytic, inhibited platelet aggregation similarly to the level reported in elective settings.

Abciximab↗

Prevention of reoccluding platelet-rich thrombi in canine femoral arteries with a novel peptide antagonist of platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptors.

The composition of an evolving arterial thrombus may be a determinant of how effectively pharmacologic agents prevent reocclusion after initially successful thrombolysis. In this study, reoccluding platelet- or fibrin-rich thrombi as delineated by scanning electron microscopy were produced selectively in the femoral arteries of dogs with the use of electrically induced vascular injury or implantation of copper wire, respectively. Initial thrombolysis after intravenous infusion of tissue-type plasminogen activator (1 mg/kg over 30 minutes) was less frequent in the preparation producing platelet-rich thrombi than in that producing fibrin-rich thrombi (lysis in 19 of 24 versus 18 of 18, p = 0.06). In dogs with initial arterial recanalization, intravenous infusion of arginine-glycine-aspartate-O-methyltyrosine amide (RGDY), which competes with fibrinogen for binding to platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptors, prevented reocclusion caused by recurrence of platelet-rich thrombi in six of six dogs within 90 minutes; reocclusion occurred in five of seven saline-infused control dogs (p = 0.02). RGDY was only partially effective in preventing reocclusion caused by recurrence of fibrin-rich thrombi (reocclusion in three of six versus five of six controls, p = 0.54). Similar results were obtained with aspirin in both preparations. At least 98% of platelet aggregation induced ex vivo by collagen was inhibited by either RGDY or aspirin. In contrast with aspirin, however, platelet function returned to normal within 1 hour after discontinuation of RGDY. Thus, the relative proportions of platelets or fibrin incorporated into thrombi influence the efficacy of both tissue-type plasminogen activator for inducing thrombolysis and antiplatelet agents for preventing reocclusion. RGDY is a potent, short-acting inhibitor of platelet aggregation that effectively prevents reocclusion under conditions in which platelet deposition predominates.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Platelet-derived 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid plays an important role in mediating canine coronary thrombosis by regulating platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa activation.

BACKGROUND: In the thrombotic process of acute coronary syndromes, the pathophysiological role of thromboxane A2 via cyclooxygenase is well established; however, the role of 12-HETE via 12-lipoxygenase is little known. Therefore, we used OPC-29030, a novel specific inhibitor of 12-HETE synthesis, to test whether platelet-derived 12-HETE is involved in mediating cyclic flow variations (CFVs) and platelet aggregation in stenosed and endothelium-injured canine coronary arteries. METHODS AND RESULTS: After developing CFVs, dogs received a vehicle or OPC-29030 intravenously. Plasma and intraplatelet 12-HETE levels increased after CFVs. OPC-29030 but not vehicle reduced CFVs, which was associated with decreases in plasma and intraplatelet 12-HETE levels. Cessation of OPC-29030 restored CFVs in association with increases in plasma and intraplatelet 12-HETE levels. ADP and U46619 induced ex vivo platelet 12-HETE production and aggregation. After OPC-29030 administration, the ADP- and U46619-induced increases in ex vivo platelet 12-HETE production and aggregation were inhibited significantly. Platelet aggregation was linearly correlated with platelet 12-HETE production. OPC-29030 suppressed activation of human platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa. CONCLUSIONS: OPC-29030 reduced intraplatelet 12-HETE levels, resulting in the inhibition of coronary thrombosis in vivo in dogs. OPC-29030 inhibited human platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa activation in vitro. Thus, platelet-derived 12-HETE may play an important role in mediating thrombotic process.

12-Hydroxy-5,8,10,14-eicosatetraenoic Acid↗

Antigenic polymorphism of human very late activation protein-2 (platelet glycoprotein Ia-IIa). Platelet alloantigen Hca.

We have found evidence for a human alloantigenic system on the very late activation protein -2 (VLA-2) heterodimer (platelet GPIa/IIa). Sera from two patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) contained antibodies that immunoprecipitated surface molecules from platelets and fibroblasts that comigrated on SDS-PAGE and two-dimensional O'Farrell gels with platelet GPIa (VLA-alpha2 chain) and platelet GPIIa (VLA-beta chain). These SLE antibodies were alloreactive as they precipitated VLA molecules from only 5 of 22 normal donors' platelets and did not react with the lupus patients' own platelets, despite the expression of apparently normal amounts of VLA on the donors' cells. Two-dimensional O'Farrell analysis demonstrated no differences in the molecular weight or isoelectric point of GPIa and GPIIa obtained from platelets of alloantibody reactive or unreactive donors. Sequential immunoprecipitation experiments with VLA chain-specific monoclonal antibodies, and the pattern of immunoprecipitation of several different VLA heterodimers demonstrated that the alloantibody-reactive determinant was present on the VLA-2 heterodimer, and not other VLA molecules. Thus, these SLE sera demonstrate a previously unrecognized antigenic polymorphism of the VLA-2 (platelet GPIa/IIa) heterodimer, platelet alloantigen Hca.

Antigens↗

Platelet activation induces metalloproteinase-dependent GP VI cleavage to down-regulate platelet reactivity to collagen.

Glycoprotein (GP) VI, the primary collagen receptor on platelets, has been shown to have variable expression, possibly as a consequence of immune modulation. The present study was designed to determine the mechanism by which GP VI clearance occurs. We found that direct activation of GP VI both by a GP VI-specific antibody and by GP VI ligands (collagen and convulxin) reduced binding of biotinylated convulxin to the stimulated platelets. Analysis of immunoblots of platelets and supernatants showed that the stimulated platelets contained less GP VI, while the soluble fraction contained a 57-kDa cleavage product. Stimulation of platelets with PAR-1 agonists (TRAP peptide and thrombin) also caused GP VI cleavage, although the amount of GP VI loss was less than that observed with direct GP VI ligands. The metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitors GM6001 and TAPI prevented both the clearance of GP VI from the platelet surface and the appearance of the soluble cleavage product. Induction of GP VI cleavage caused specific down-regulation of collagen-induced platelet aggregation, providing a mechanism for the modulation of platelet responsiveness to this important platelet agonist.

Antibodies↗

The functional integrity of platelets in volume-reduced platelet concentrates.

Premature and low-birth-weight infants usually require small-volume platelet transfusions to treat thrombocytopenia. Also, infants undergoing open-heart surgery with extracorporeal circulation and with compromised cardiac function are at risk for excessive intravascular volume. The small-volume platelet substitution can be achieved by dispensing an aliquot from the unit of a standard single-donor platelet concentrate (PC). Alternatively, there is an indication for volume reduction of PCs to maximize the number of platelets transfused in the smallest possible volume. We determined the spontaneous and induced activation of platelets before and after volume reduction in 20 consecutive single-donor-apheresis PCs. After a mean storage time of 2 days, the PCs were plasma-depleted by centrifugation. Spontaneous, adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-induced, and collagen-induced activation were determined by flow cytometry. Furthermore, ADP- and collagen-induced aggregation were measured. A total of 33.8% of platelets in standard PCs were activated spontaneously. Volume reduction of PCs led to a mild but significant increase of spontaneous activation of platelets (43.2%). Additionally, volume reduction resulted in an impaired ADP-induced aggregability of platelets, whereas collagen induction was unaffected. Transfusion of volume-reduced PCs is an effective alternative to use of standard PCs in patients at frequent risk for excessive intravascular volume, because equal volumes increase the platelet count twice as effectively.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

Effect of orthovanadate on platelet aggregation induced by platelet-activating factor.

Orthovanadate (vanadate) inhibited the platelet aggregation induced by platelet-activating factor (PAF) in a dose-dependent manner. Propranolol, a nonspecific beta-adrenergic receptor antagonist, and H-8, a selective inhibitor of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA), suppressed the inhibition of the PAF-induced platelet aggregation by vanadate. Vanadate increased the cAMP content in platelets accompanied by the activation of PKA. The beta-adrenergic receptors of platelets have been reported to be abundant in the beta(2) isoform, coupled to adenylyl cyclases (R. Kerry and M. C. Scrutton, Br. J. Pharmacol., 79, 681-691 (1983)). When the washed platelets were preincubated with vanadate, salbutamol, a selective beta(2)-adrenergic receptor agonist, or 8-Br-cAMP, the latter two mimicked the vanadate-induced anti-platelet aggregation and prolongation of clotting time of plasma, suggesting involvement of the increased intracellular cAMP content in both actions of vanadate. Butoxamine, a selective beta(2)-adrenergic receptor antagonist, suppressed both actions of vanadate. The vanadate-induced increase in cAMP content was inhibited in part by butoxamine or genistein. These results suggest that vanadate inhibits the PAF-induced platelet aggregation by the stimulation of a cAMP/PKA-dependent process via the beta(2)-adrenergic receptor and receptor tyrosine kinases, and that the anti-platelet aggregation is involved in part in mechanisms of the anticoagulant action of vanadate.

8-Bromo Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate↗

P-selectin- and CD63-exposing platelet microparticles reflect platelet activation in peripheral arterial disease and myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Platelet-derived microparticles (PMPs) are generally considered a marker of platelet activation in cardiovascular disease. We studied the extent to which PMP subpopulations parallel platelet activation in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: Using flow cytometry, we analyzed PMP subpopulations from resting and activated platelets in vitro (n = 6) as well as from plasma samples of patients with stable angina, peripheral arterial disease, or myocardial infarction [non-ST-elevation (NSTEMI) and ST-elevation (STEMI)] and from older, age- and sex-matched and young healthy individuals [n = 10 for all groups except NSTEMI (n = 11)]. Coagulation markers prothrombin fragment F(1 + 2) and thrombin-antithrombin complexes were determined by ELISA. The PMP-associated fraction of soluble (s)P-selectin was estimated by ELISA. RESULTS: In vitro, stimulation of platelets with thrombin receptor-activating peptide (15 micromol/L) or the calcium ionophore A23187 (2.5 micromol/L) increased fractions of both platelets and PMPs exposing P-selectin or CD63 (P <0.001 for all). Whereas the number of PMPs released by A23187-stimulated platelets increased significantly (P <0.001), the number of PMPs released from thrombin receptor-activating peptide-stimulated platelets remained constant (P >0.05). Ex vivo, numbers of circulating PMPs were comparable in all groups. Compared with young persons, P-selectin-exposing PMPs were increased in older persons (P = 0.02) and were further increased in patients with NSTEMI (P = 0.007) and STEMI (P = 0.045). CD63-exposing PMPs were increased in patients with peripheral arterial disease (P = 0.041), NSTEMI (P = 0.001), and STEMI (P = 0.049). Subpopulations exposing P-selectin or CD63 correlated with each other (r = 0.581; P <0.001), but neither correlated with the plasma concentrations of F(1 + 2) or thrombin-antithrombin complexes. The PMP-associated fraction of sP-selectin constituted only 2.2 (4.7)% [mean (SD)] of total sP-selectin. CONCLUSIONS: PMP subpopulations reflect platelet activation status better than the total number of PMPs. Increased concentrations of circulating PMP subpopulations are found in aging, and further increases are encountered in peripheral arterial disease and myocardial infarction.

Adult↗

Detection and effects on platelet function of anti-platelet antibody in mule foals with experimentally induced neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia.

Horse mares carrying mule foals were immunized during the last trimester of pregnancy with whole acid-citrate-dextrose-anticoagulated donkey blood to experimentally induce neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia. Thrombocytopenia occurred in the neonatal mule foals born to immunized horse mares within 24 hours after ingestion of their dams' colostrum. Mule foals born to mares not immunized with donkey blood did not develop thrombocytopenia. These findings suggest that antibodies may have been directed against a donkey platelet antigen present in the mule foals but not present in their dams. The objectives of this study were to determine whether anti-platelet antibody could be detected in mule foals with experimentally induced neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia, to identify any platelet proteins recognized by serum antibody in these foals, and to determine if platelet function was altered by sera from these mule foals. An indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay demonstrated significantly higher absorption at 1:200 of platelet-bindable immunoglobulin G in serum from thrombocytopenic mule foals, compared with nonthrombocytopenic mule foals. Sera from thrombocytopenic and nonthrombocytopenic mule foals produced similar binding patterns in western immunoblots with donkey platelet proteins separated on sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gels. Maximal platelet aggregation and relative slope of aggregation in response to collagen were significantly inhibited after incubation with sera from thrombocytopenic mule foals. These results suggest that mule foals with induced alloimmune thrombocytopenia have serum antibodies that bind to platelets and may compete with collagen binding sites to impair platelet aggregation.

Animals↗

Necessity of thromboxane A2 for initiation of platelet-mediated contact sensitivity: dual activation of platelets and vascular endothelial cells.

To investigate the crucial role of platelet-derived thromboxane A(2) (TXA(2)) in initiating Ag-specific contact sensitivity (CS), a platelet-dependent CS model using genetically mast cell-deficient W/W(v) mice, was provided. In vivo treatment with BAYu3405, a TXA(2) receptor antagonist, markedly suppressed CS responses in a dose-dependent manner. This inhibitory effect occurred when BAYu3405 was administered before an early initiating phase, suggesting that TXA(2) may be a potent initiator of platelet-mediated CS responses. When platelets were pretreated with BAYu3405 in vitro, platelet aggregation as well as serotonin release, which is able to induce the early phase response allowing local recruitment of CS effector T cells due to direct activation of vascular endothelial cells, was inhibited. The addition of U46619, a TXA(2) agonist, or a mixture of platelets and thrombin-enhanced expression of both ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 on isolated mouse aortic endothelial cells, which was completely abolished by pretreatment with BAYu3405. Furthermore, intradermal injection of U46619 into the ear of platelet-depleted mice led to CS responses with marked expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 on the vascular endothelium. These findings suggest that TXA(2) generated from platelets activated with Ag may mediate initiation of CS responses through inducing serotonin release from platelets and the subsequent aggregation and up-regulated expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 on vascular endothelial cells.

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

Platelet-released ADP stabilizes PAF-induced rabbit platelet aggregation by stabilizing intracellular calcium.

AIM: To examine whether platelet-released adenosine diphosphate (ADP) would contribute to the stabilization of rabbit platelet aggregation induced by platelet activating factor (PAF). METHODS: Rabbit platelet aggregation induced by PAF was measured turbimetrically. ADP release from rabbit platelets stimulated by PAF was determined by HPLC. Intracellular Ca2+ was measured using Ca(2+)-sensitive fluorescent indicator Fura 2-AM. RESULTS: PAF > or = 1 nmol.L-1 induced full platelet aggregation, which did not deaggregate over 5 min after aggregation reached peak. Platelet aggregation was deaggregated in a concentration-dependent manner by subsequent addition of ADP scavenger ATP-diphosphohydrolase (apyrase) at 5-100 mg.L-1. PAF 3 nmol.L-1 stimulated release of ADP (29% vs 6% of control), and elicited a rapid rise in intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) which peaked at approximately 15 s. Then the [Ca2+]i gradually decayed from 585 +/- 80 nmol.L-1 within 100 s to a low level (364 +/- 82 nmol.L-1). Apyrase 100 mg.L-1, added 2 min after PAF, reduced [Ca2+]i to a lower level (171 +/- 29 nmol.L-1). CONCLUSION: Platelet-released ADP stabilizes PAF-induced rabbit platelet aggregation by stabilizing [Ca2+]i at elevated level.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

Bioactive amide of prostaglandin E1 and ethanolamine plasmalogen analog of platelet-activating factor inhibits several pathways of human platelet aggregation.

The influence of an amide of prostaglandin E1 and ethanolamine plasmalogen platelet-activating factor analog 1-O-alk-1;-enyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-(N-11alpha, 15alpha-dioxy-9-keto-13-prostenoyl)ethanolamine (PGE1-PPAF) on platelet-activating factor (PAF)-, ADP-, and thrombin-induced human platelet aggregation has been studied. It was found that PGE1-PPAF inhibits the PAF-, ADP-, and thrombin-induced platelet aggregation in platelet-rich plasma. 1-O-alk-1;-enyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine inhibited PAF-induced aggregation up to 50% but had no influence on platelet aggregation induced by ADP or thrombin. The ethanolamine plasmalogen analog of PAF 1-O-alk-1;-enyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-(N-palmitoyl)ethanolami ne, having a palmitoyl residue instead of PGE1, did not inhibit platelet aggregation induced by PAF, ADP, or thrombin. We propose that inhibition of human platelet aggregation by PGE1-PPAF is mediated by its action on platelet PAF-receptors and the adenylate cyclase system.

Alprostadil↗

Effect of calcium channel blockers on platelet GPIIb-IIIa as a calcium channel in liposomes: comparison with effects on the intact platelet.

The platelet membrane glycoprotein IIb-IIIa complex is essential for platelet aggregation and functions as a fibrinogen receptor on the activated platelet. When incorporated into phospholipid vesicles, this glycoprotein complex can function as an apparent calcium channel which facilitates the transit of calcium across a phospholipid barrier. In order to further evaluate this calcium channel, the effect of calcium channel blockers of the dihydropyridine (nifedipine and nicardipine), arylalkylamine (verapamil) and benzothiazepine (diltiazem) classes were evaluated on GPIIb-IIIa liposomes with encapsulated fura-2 (a fluorescent calcium indicator). Nicardipine, verapamil, and nifedipine significantly inhibited calcium influx into GPIIb-IIIa liposomes; however, this required 190 microM, 400 microM, and 140 microM drug, respectively. These concentrations are 10-1,000 fold greater than those clinically obtainable. In contrast, diltiazem at concentrations greater than 220 microM and amiloride at concentrations greater than 800 microM showed no inhibitory effects. When aspirinized platelets were activated with 30 micrograms/ml bovine fibrillar collagen, both nicardipine and diltiazem produced a decrease in both the initial rise and maximum cytoplasmic calcium concentration. Parallel experiments were performed to assess the effects of verapamil, nicardipine, and diltiazem on platelet aggregation in platelet rich plasma. Nicardipine, 190-380 microM, induced a prolongation of the lag phase, but no effect on the final degree of platelet aggregation to collagen. Similar inhibition of platelet aggregation was seen with diltiazem and verapamil although the effect of diltiazem was less pronounced particularly at higher concentrations of collagen. No effect was seen on aggregation with 32 microM ADP which is release independent, or on the primary wave of low dose ADP induced platelet aggregation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Biological Transport, Active↗

Platelets enhance CD4+ lymphocyte adhesion to extracellular matrix under flow conditions: role of platelet aggregation, integrins, and non-integrin receptors.

The purpose of this study was to examine the role of platelets in CD4+ T lymphocyte adhesion to subendothelial extracellular matrix (ECM). Herpesvirus saimiri (HVS)-infected CD4+ T cells were incubated on ECM. An image analysis was used to evaluate T cell adhesion. Under static condition, T cell activation with 4-alpha-Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) resulted in a 2.6-fold increase in cell adhesion. However, adhesion was not affected by platelets. In contrast, under flow (200s(-1)), platelets markedly enhanced both resting and PMA-activated T cell adhesion (33- and 48-fold), forming lymphocyte-platelet co-aggregates that contain approximately 90% of the adherent T cells. Abrogation of platelet aggregation with tirofiban inhibited formation of platelet-T cell co-aggregates under flow and reduced T cell adhesion by 74%. Separate and combined blockade of CD40L and P-selectin glycoprotein-1 (PSGL-1) on PMA-activated lymphocytes reduced adhesion under flow in the presence of platelets by 28%, 33%, and 55%, respectively. Blockade of beta1-integrins decreased adhesion under both static and flow conditions (by 35% and 44%, respectively), while blockade of beta2-integrin reduced adhesion only under static condition (by 23%). A similar adhesion pattern was observed using CD4+ T cells isolated from normal donor peripheral blood. In conclusion, platelets support CD4+ lymphocyte adhesion to ECM under flow by formation of heterotypic platelet-lymphocyte coaggregates involving alphaIIbbeta3 integrin and beta1-related integrins, as well as CD40L and PSGL-1.

Blood Platelets↗

PPACK-thrombin inhibits thrombin-induced platelet aggregation and cytoplasmic acidification but does not inhibit platelet shape change.

We have re-evaluated the previously reported ability of TLCK-thrombin (N alpha-tosyl-L-lysine chloromethyl ketone-treated alpha-thrombin) and PPACK-thrombin (D-phenylalanyl-L-prolyl-L-arginine chloromethyl ketone-treated alpha-thrombin) to inhibit alpha-thrombin-induced platelet activation (Harmon JT, Jamieson GA: J Biol Chem 261:15928, 1986; and Harmon JT, Jamieson GA: Biochemistry 27:2151, 1988). Despite several cycles of derivatization with TLCK (10,000-fold molar excess), preparations of TLCK-thrombin have been found to contain about 4% residual alpha-thrombin activity, suggesting that these preparations are an equilibrium mixture of TLCK-thrombin and alpha-thrombin and cannot be used for evaluating competition between these two agents. In contrast, alpha-thrombin activity was completely inhibited by PPACK at 15-fold molar excess. PPACK-thrombin, free of unreacted PPACK and devoid of residual alpha-thrombin activity, did not markedly affect platelet shape change at concentrations as high as 1 mumol/L, but inhibited aggregation and secretion in intact platelets activated with the minimal concentration of alpha-thrombin causing a full response (0.3 to 0.5 nmol/L) and yielded a 50% inhibition constant (IC50) for inhibition of aggregation by PPACK-thrombin of 110 nmol/L. This inhibition was specific for alpha-thrombin-induced platelet activation, and no inhibition was seen with activation induced by ADP, collagen, epinephrine, ristocetin, or arachidonate. At these low alpha-thrombin concentrations (approximately 0.4 nmol/L), a persistent cytoplasmic acidification was observed of -0.062 +/- 0.016 pH units, although alkalinization was observed at higher alpha-thrombin concentrations (greater than 1 nmol/L). While inhibition of aggregation and secretion occurred when alpha-thrombin and PPACK-thrombin were added simultaneously, inhibition of cytoplasmic acidification and of the elevation of cytoplasmic [Ca2+] induced by low concentrations of alpha-thrombin (0.4 nmol/L) occurred only if platelets were preincubated with PPACK-thrombin for 5 minutes before the addition of alpha-thrombin. In platelets treated with Serratia marcescens protease to remove glycoprotein lb (GPlb), alpha-thrombin-induced shape change was attenuated but persisted in the presence of a high concentration (2 mumol/L) of PPACK-thrombin, although aggregation and secretion were inhibited, as seen in intact platelets. The IC50 value for inhibition of aggregation by PPACK-thrombin was approximately 1 mumol/L at the higher alpha-thrombin concentrations (5 nmol/L) required for full activation in this case. These results suggest that PPACK-thrombin may be a useful probe of platelet function since it specifically blocks platelet aggregation and secretion induced by alpha-thrombin.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Acids↗

Desensitization of receptor-coupled activation of phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C in platelets: evidence for distinct mechanisms for platelet-activating factor and thrombin.

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) receptor-coupled activation of phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C (PLC) was studied in platelets that were made refractory, by short-term pretreatments, to either PAF or thrombin. Generation of [3H]inositol triphosphate ( [3H]IP3) was monitored specifically for this purpose. [3H]Inositol-labeled rabbit platelets that were incubated (10 min) with increasing concentrations of PAF and subsequently challenged by the same concentration of PAF had greatly diminished PLC activity ( [3H]IP3 production) as compared to controls. Platelets incubated (10 min) with fixed concentrations of PAF and then challenged with increasing concentrations of PAF had log-dose response curves of [3H]IP3 production progressively shifted to the right (i.e., to higher concentrations) and were depressed as the PAF pretreatment with 10 nM PAF became completely refractory to further PAF stimulation of PLC. Washing the pretreated platelets with either buffer or buffer containing 0.5% bovine serum albumin did not restore the PAF for 10 min), platelets remained fully responsive to thrombin (2 units/ml)-stimulated production of [3H]IP3. Platelets pretreated with increasing concentrations of thrombin (0.15-2 units/ml) for different times (5-40 min) became refractory to both thrombin and PAF. It is concluded that PAF receptor-coupled activation of PLC becomes refractory (desensitized) in platelets preexposed to PAF, whereas platelets pretreated with thrombin are desensitized to both thrombin and PAF. It is proposed that thrombin has two transmembrane pathways leading to the activation of PLC, one shared with PAF and another utilizing separate mechanistic inputs.

Blood Platelets↗

Fibrin monomer induces binding of endogenous platelet von Willebrand factor to the glycocalicin portion of platelet glycoprotein IB.

This study demonstrates that when platelets are stimulated by thrombin in the presence of low concentrations of purified human fibrinogen (10 to 20 micrograms/mL, final concentration) binding of released platelet von Willebrand factor (plt-vWF) to the platelet membrane is enhanced. This effect appears to be mediated by fibrin monomer produced by the action of thrombin on the fibrinogen in the incubation suspension. When fibrin polymerization is inhibited, the binding of released plt-vWF to the platelets is markedly increased. This enhanced binding is dependent on platelet glycoprotein Ib (GPIb) as shown by a decreased response with Bernard-Soulier platelets and inhibition by both monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies against glycocalicin. The binding of fibrin to thrombin-activated platelets preincubated with monoclonal antibody against GPIIb/IIIa is increased when the predominant form of fibrin is fibrin monomer. The fibrin binding is also decreased in the presence of antibody against glycocalicin. Our data demonstrate that fibrin monomer facilitates plt-vWF binding to the glycocalicin portion of platelet GPIb on thrombin-stimulated platelets and that binding of fibrin monomer to glycocalicin is necessary for this response to occur.

Blood Platelets↗