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Role of platelet endothelial form of nitric oxide synthase in collagen-platelet interaction: regulation by phosphorylation.

Different pathways have been reported to be involved in platelet-collagen interaction. We have reported that the platelet endothelial form of nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and the platelet receptor for type I collagen, p65, are closely associated. But the controlling mechanism underlying the generation of nitric oxide (NO) by the eNOS has not been fully explored. In this investigation, Western blot analyses of time course samples with anti-phosphorylated tyrosine, and anti-serine/threonine showed a marked increase in serine/threonine phosphorylation of eNOS during type I collagen-induced platelet aggregation. Meanwhile, the eNOS activity measured by the conversion of [3H]-arginine to [3H]-citrulline is significantly decreased. Correlation of type I collagen-induced platelet aggregation and the activity of eNOS in the presence of the serine/threonine phosphatase inhibitor, okadiac acid and the tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor, vanadate were performed with PRP. Results show the decrease in eNOS activity by adding okadiac acid correlated with the inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation in a dose-dependent manner. On the other hand, vanadate significantly inhibits platelet aggregation and also inhibits eNOS activity when the concentration of vanadate is greater than 2 mM. These results suggest that phosphorylation of serine/threonine and tyrosine residues control the activity of eNOS through different mechanisms to affect collagen-induced platelet aggregation.

Blood Platelets↗

[New automatic test for the study of platelet response to variations in osmotic pressure: application in the evaluation of the viability of platelet concentrates].

Studying the osmotic resistance or swelling of platelets has often been suggested as a global test to assess the viability of those cells. A number of authors have also analysed the behaviour of platelets in hypotonic media by a variety of complementary methods (cell count, morphology, determinations of substances released, photometric measurement of aggregation induced by aggregating agents, etc). Most studies are currently based on the so-called "osmotic shock response" test, which measures according to time the light transmitted through platelet-rich plasma (PRP) after dilution in distilled water. In this study, the authors describe a new automated and reproducible test using slow dialysis to assess platelet osmotic resistance. The "Fragilimeter", a device initially described by the authors to characterise RBC fragility, has been adapted to the study of platelet osmotic behaviour. The variations in light transmission through a platelet suspension according to NaCl concentration are linked to the change in cellular volume and lysis and characterise the viability of the cells. The results obtained with normal platelets revealed the good reproducibility of the technique. The osmotic resistance is evaluated for two parameters: anticoagulant (citrate, EDTA) and cellular concentration. The test was applied to quality control of stored platelet concentrates for transfusion, prepared with different cell separators.

Blood Platelets↗

Role of calcium and calpain in complement-induced vesiculation of the platelet plasma membrane and in the exposure of the platelet factor Va receptor.

The role of calcium and intracellular calpains in the expression of platelet prothrombinase activity was investigated. Incubation of gel-filtered platelets with complement proteins C5b-9 resulted in alpha-granule and dense granule secretion and exposure of membrane binding sites for coagulation factors Va and Xa. This was accompanied by the release of microparticles from the cell surface that incorporated plasma membrane glycoproteins GP Ib, IIb, and IIIa and the alpha-granule membrane protein GMP-140. Generation of these membrane microparticles was dependent on the presence of extracellular calcium and was accompanied by proteolytic degradation of the cytoskeletal proteins, actin binding protein (ABP), talin, and myosin heavy chain. Microparticle formation was also detected when unstirred platelets were activated by thrombin plus collagen, although proteolysis of ABP, talin, or myosin was not observed. Preincorporation of the calpain inhibitor leupeptin into the platelet cytosol completely blocked C5b-9-induced proteolysis of ABP, talin, and myosin. However, inhibition of this calpain-mediated proteolysis had no effect on platelet secretion, the generation of microparticles, the exposure of membrane sites for factors Va and Xa, or the expression of prothrombinase activity. Furthermore, the microparticles that formed in the presence of leupeptin contained intact ABP, talin, and myosin heavy chain. Prior depletion of ATP with metabolic inhibitors eliminated all platelet responses to thrombin plus collagen, but did not affect C5b-9-induced microparticle formation or exposure of binding sites for factor Va on the microparticles. These data indicate that the formation of microparticles and the expression of platelet prothrombinase activity in response to C5b-9 are dependent upon an influx of calcium into the platelet cytosol, but do not require metabolic energy or calpain-mediated proteolysis of cytoskeletal proteins.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Production of phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate and phosphatidic acid in platelet rafts: evidence for a critical role of cholesterol-enriched domains in human platelet activation.

Glycosphingolipid- and cholesterol-enriched membrane microdomains, called rafts, can be isolated from several mammalian cells, including platelets. These microdomains appear to play a critical role in signal transduction in several hematopoietic cells, but their function in blood platelets remains unknown. Herein, we first characterized the lipid composition, including the fatty acid composition of phospholipids, of human platelet rafts. Then their role in platelet activation process was investigated. Interestingly, thrombin stimulation led to morphological changes of rafts correlating with the production of lipid second messengers in these microdomains. Indeed, we could demonstrate for the first time that a large part of the stimulation-dependent production of phosphatidic acid and phosphoinositide 3-kinase products was concentrated in rafts. Moreover, cholesterol depletion with methyl-beta-cyclodextrin disrupted platelet rafts, dramatically decreased the agonist-dependent production of these lipid signaling molecules, and impaired platelet secretion and aggregation. Cholesterol repletion restored the physiological platelet responses. Altogether our data indicate that rafts are highly dynamic platelet membrane structures involved in critical signaling mechanisms linked to the production of lipid second messengers. The demonstration of phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate production in rafts may have general implications for the understanding of the role of this key second messenger found ubiquitously in higher eucaryotic cells.

Blood Platelets↗

Ca2+ release from platelet intracellular stores by thapsigargin and 2,5-di-(t-butyl)-1,4-benzohydroquinone: relationship to Ca2+ pools and relevance in platelet activation.

The effects of the Ca(2+)-ATPase inhibitors thapsigargin (Tg) and 2,5-di-(t-butyl)-1,4-benzohydroquinone (tBuBHQ) were examined by using Ca(2+)-regulatory systems of platelet mixed membranes, saponin-permeabilized and intact platelets. Both agents inhibit Ca(2+)-ATPase activities of platelet mixed membranes, without any effect on the basal Mg(2+)-ATPase activity. Tg is more effective (EC50 = 35 nM) than tBuBHQ (EC50 = 580 nM). The effect of the two inhibitors on 45Ca2+ release from saponin-permeabilized platelets has also been characterized. 45Ca2+ uptake into non-mitochondrial intracellular stores occurs via an ATP-dependent mechanism, and if added at equilibrium the second messenger Ins(1,4,5)P3 releases 50% of the accumulated 45Ca2+. Maximally effective concentrations of Tg (1 microM) and tBuBHQ (50 microM) release 77% and 68% of the accumulated 45Ca2+. Addition of Ins(1,4,5)P3 together with either Tg or tBuBHQ resulted in a non-additive release which was the same as with either Tg or tBuBHQ alone, indicating that the Ins(1,4,5)P3-sensitive Ca2+ pool was a subset of the pool that is sensitive to the Ca(2+)-ATPase inhibitors. Release of 45Ca2+ by either Tg or tBuBHQ was not affected by heparin, which totally blocked Ins(1,4,5)P3-induced Ca2+ release, and Tg was found not to affect [32P]Ins(1,4,5)P3 binding to its receptor on mixed membranes. Thus both Tg and tBuBHQ release Ca2+ from a pool that totally overlaps the Ins(1,4,5)P3-sensitive pool without affecting Ins(1,4,5)P3 function. In intact indomethacin-treated Fura 2-loaded platelets, Tg and tBuBHQ cause Ca2+ elevation, arising from release from intracellular stores and influx from the outside. Both Tg and tBuBHQ elevated Ca2+ to similar levels, which were less and slower than those observed with thrombin. Addition of thrombin to cells already treated with Tg or tBuBHQ produced further elevation of Ca2+, indicating agonist utilization of a Ca(2+)-ATPase inhibitor-insensitive pool. In aggregation experiments Tg and tBuBHQ showed different functional effects. In indomethacin-treated cells Tg induces slow aggregation and secretion responses, whereas tBuBHQ only induces shape change. Both agents show synergistic secretory responses with the protein kinase C activator dioctanoylglycerol (DiC8). Tg also showed greater ability than tBuBHQ to release [3H]arachidonic acid (AA) from [3H]AA-labelled platelets. Additionally, in [32P]Pi-labelled platelets both Tg and tBuBHQ induced phosphorylation of myosin light chain, a 27 kDa protein and the 45 kDa protein pleckstrin, but Tg showed a greater ability than tBuBHQ to cause phosphorylation of pleckstrin. These studies indicate that Tg and tBuBHQ are effective in releasing the Ins(1,4,5)P3-sensitive Ca2+ pool in platelets.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Binding Sites↗

Platelet quality after 15-day storage of platelet concentrates prepared from buffy coats and stored in a glucose-free crystalloid medium.

It has been reported previously that platelet concentrates (PCs) prepared from buffy coat pools diluted in a simple, glucose-free medium (BC-PCs) are effective in thrombocytopenic patients after 4 to 12 days of storage. Such preparations produce platelet increments similar to those of traditional PCs prepared from platelet-rich plasma (PRP-PCs) stored for 1 to 3 days. The purpose of this study was to obtain a series of in vitro measurements during storage to allow a more detailed characterization of BC-PCs and a more detailed comparison of BC-PCs with PRP-PCs. At the beginning of storage, the level of (alpha granule membrane protein-140 (GMP-140), a marker of platelet activation, was significantly higher on PRP-PC platelets, and BC-PCs were superior in measurements reflecting platelet function, such as osmotic reversal, ATP release, and aggregation with collagen. Compared to PRP-PCs, BC-PCs were superior in the percentage of discs, total ATP, and glycoprotein lb expression by Day 7. This superiority became more striking on Day 11. Overall, 15-day-old BC-PCs compared favorably to 7-day old PRP-PCs: BC-PCs were superior in ATP release and aggregation with collagen, but they were not significantly different for all other measurements reflecting platelet quality and function. Thus, the quality of platelets in BC-PCs was superior on Day 1, and this superiority progressed as storage continued. In addition, the metabolism of BC-PCs was favorable.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Blood Platelets↗

Observations on human smooth muscle cell cultures from hyperplastic lesions of prosthetic bypass grafts: production of a platelet-derived growth factor-like mitogen and expression of a gene for a platelet-derived growth factor receptor--a preliminary study.

Prosthetic bypass grafts placed to the distal lower extremity often fail because of an occlusive tissue response in the perianastomotic region. The origin of the cells that comprise this occlusive lesion and the causes of the cellular proliferation are not known. To increase our understanding of this process we cultured cells from hyperplastic lesions obtained from patients at the time of reexploration for lower extremity graft failure, and we studied their identity and growth factor production in tissue culture. These cultures contain cells that express muscle-specific actin isoforms, shown by immunohistochemical staining, consistent with vascular smooth muscle origin. These cultures also released material that stimulated smooth muscle cell growth. A portion of this activity was similar to platelet-derived growth factor, since preincubation with antibody-to-human platelet-derived growth factor partially blocked the mitogenic effect of medium conditioned by human anastomotic hyperplastic cells. These conditioned media also contained material that competed with platelet-derived growth factor for its receptor, as measured in a radioreceptor assay. Northern blot analysis showed that these cells contain messenger RNA that encodes the A chain but not the B chain of platelet-derived growth factor. In addition, these cells contain messenger RNA that encodes a platelet-derived growth factor receptor. We conclude that cultured smooth muscle cells from human anastomotic hyperplastic lesions express genes for platelet-derived growth factor A chain and a platelet-derived growth factor receptor and secrete biologically active molecules similar to platelet-derived growth factor.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Platelet reactivity in human aortic grafts: a prospective, randomized midterm study of platelet adherence and release products in Dacron and polytetrafluoroethylene conduits.

Platelet-related phenomena at the blood-surface interface of randomly placed knitted Dacron (n = 6) and polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) (n = 6) interposition aortic grafts were studied in patients undergoing abdominal aortic aneurysmectomy. Luminal accumulation of platelets was assessed by infusing indium-111-oxine (400 microCi) labeled autologous platelets and imaging grafts at 1 week, 3 months, and 6 months after surgery. Image analysis included an indium ratio technique (comparing aortic graft radioactivity to that of an iliac artery) and a red blood cell technetium subtraction technique (excluding blood pool radioactivity from graft radioactivity, with the heart or iliac artery serving as reference regions). Plasma levels of beta-thromboglobulin and platelet factor 4 were correlated with platelet accumulations on the aortic prostheses. Differences in graft radioactivity or platelet-release products were not evident 1 week after surgery. Three months after implantation, Dacron and ePTFE conduits exhibited 87% and 47% (p less than 0.05) more radioactivity with the indium ratio technique than the iliac artery. Similarly, increased Dacron compared with ePTFE graft radioactivity was noted using technetium subtraction techniques: 71% vs 30% with a heart reference and 26% vs 11% with an iliac artery reference, respectively. Increases in graft radioactivity correlated with increases in both plasma beta-thromboglobulin and platelet factor 4 at 3 months (r = 0.6 to 0.9; p less than 0.05 to 0.001 depending on the imaging technique used). At 6 months, differences did not persist. In fact, technetium subtraction techniques suggested less Dacron conduit reactivity. It is speculated that differences in platelet accumulation and activation associated with different graft substrates may prove clinically important.

Adult↗

Platelets and platelet adhesion support angiogenesis while preventing excessive hemorrhage.

Platelets contain both pro- and antiangiogenic factors, but their regulatory role in angiogenesis is poorly understood. Although previous studies showed that platelets stimulate angiogenesis in vitro, the role of platelets in angiogenesis in vivo is largely uncharacterized. To address this topic, we used two in vivo approaches, the cornea micropocket assay and the Matrigel model, in four animal models: thrombocytopenic, Lyst(bg) (platelet storage pool deficiency), glycoprotein (GP) Ibalpha/IL4R transgenic (lacking extracellular GPIbalpha, the receptor for von Willebrand factor as well as other adhesive and procoagulant proteins), and FcgammaR(-/-) (lacking functional GPVI, the collagen receptor) mice. Adult mice were rendered thrombocytopenic by i.p. administration of an antiplatelet antibody. The number of growing vessels in the thrombocytopenic mice was lower in the cornea assay, and they showed significantly increased appearance of hemorrhage compared with mice treated with control IgG. The thrombocytopenic mice also showed more protein leakage and developed hematomas in the Matrigel model. GPIbalpha/IL4R transgenic mice presented increased hemorrhage in both assays, but it was less severe than in the platelet-depleted mice. FcgammaR(-/-) and Lyst(bg) mice showed no defect in experimental angiogenesis. Intravital microscopy revealed a >3-fold increase in platelet adhesion to angiogenic vessels of Matrigel compared with mature quiescent skin vessels. Our results suggest that the presence of platelets not only stimulates angiogenic vessel growth but also plays a critical role in preventing hemorrhage from the angiogenic vessels. The adhesion function of platelets, as mediated by GPIbalpha, significantly contributes to the process.

Animals↗

Platelet glycoprotein IIb-IIIa protein antagonists from snake venoms: evidence for a family of platelet-aggregation inhibitors.

The purification, complete amino acid sequence, and biological activity are described for several homologous snake venom proteins that are platelet glycoprotein (GP) IIb-IIIa antagonists and potent inhibitors of platelet aggregation. The primary structures of kistrin (from Agkistrodon rhodostoma), bitan (from Bitis arietans), three isoforms of trigramin (from Trimeresusus gramineus), and an isoform of echistatin (from Echis carinatus) were determined by automated sequence analysis and fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry analysis. Each of the protein in this family, which range from 47 to 83 residues, contains an Arg-Gly-Asp amino acid sequence found in protein ligands that binds to GPIIb-IIIa, a high (17 +/- 1%) cysteine content conserved in the primary sequence, and a homologous N-terminal region absent only in the echistatin isoforms. Each protein directly inhibits the interaction of purified platelet GPIIb-IIIa to immobilized fibrinogen about 100 times more effectively than does the pentapeptide Gly-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser; IC50 values range from 1.1 to 3.0 nM. The IC50 value for the inhibition of platelet aggregation, using human platelet-rich plasma stimulated with ADP, ranges from 110 to 550 nM for the various proteins, about 1000-fold more potent than Gly-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser. Kistrin binds reversibly to both resting and ADP-activated human platelets with high affinity (Kd = 10.8 nM and 1.7 nM, respectively) and to purified GPIIb-IIIa with a lower affinity (Kd = approximately 100 nM). Finally, kistrin injected at 1.0 mg/kg into rabbits reversibly inhibits platelet aggregation ex vivo over 30 min without induction of thrombocytopenia. We propose that these proteins are members of a general class of proteins found in the venom of pit vipers that inhibit platelet aggregation by antagonism of the GPIIb-IIIa-fibrinogen interaction and as such serve as potential antithrombotic agents.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Factor V is complexed with multimerin in resting platelet lysates and colocalizes with multimerin in platelet alpha-granules.

Factor V stored in platelets is an important source of factor Va for the prothrombinase complex. Investigations of potential platelet factor Va-binding proteins, using factor Va light chain affinity chromatography, identified a disulfide-linked multimeric protein with a reduced mobility of 155 kDa in the column eluate. Immunodepletion and immunoblotting indicated that this protein was multimerin. Multimerin specifically bound factors V and Va and the isolated factor Va light chain, but not the heavy chain of factor Va. Factor V stored in platelets, but not plasma factor V, was found to be complexed with multimerin. Multimerin immunodepletion of resting platelet lysates was associated with the removal of factor V and the loss of factor V coagulant activity. Immunoelectron microscopic studies colocalized factor V with multimerin in the alpha-granules of resting platelets. With thrombin-induced platelet activation, we observed dissociation of factor Va-multimerin complexes, multimerin-independent membrane binding of factor Va, and prothrombinase activity that was not inhibitable by multimerin antibodies. This study indicates that platelet factor V is stored as a complex with multimerin and suggests a possible role for multimerin as a carrier protein for factor V stored in platelets.

Animals↗

Protein C inhibitor secreted from activated platelets efficiently inhibits activated protein C on phosphatidylethanolamine of platelet membrane and microvesicles.

Protein C inhibitor (PCI) was detected in human platelets (2.9 ng/10(9) cells) and megakaryocytic cells (1.5 ng/10(6) cells). PCI mRNA was also detected in both platelets and megakaryocytic cells using nested polymerase chain reaction. PCI was found to be located in the alpha-granules of resting platelets. Approximately 30% of the total amount of PCI in platelets was released after stimulation with ADP, collagen, adrenalin, thrombin, or thrombin receptor-activating peptide. Secreted PCI was detected on the surface of activated platelets and phospholipid microvesicles. PCI secreted from thrombin receptor-activating peptide-stimulated platelets inhibited activated protein C (APC) efficiently. PCI significantly inhibited APC in the presence of phospholipid vesicles prepared using rabbit brain cephalin (RBC) or a mixture of 40% phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), 20% phosphatidylserine (PS), and 40% phosphatidylcholine (PC) with a second order rate constant of 1.0 x 10(6) M-1.min-1. Of these phospholipids, PE was critical for this inhibition. The dissociation constants of the binding of APC or PCI to solid phase phospholipids showed that APC binds more preferably to PE than to RBC or PS, and PCI to PE or RBC than to PS or PC. PCI binding to solid phase phospholipids depended on the presence of PE. RBC- or PE-bound PCI inhibited APC significantly but only weakly the gamma-carboxyglutamic acid domainless APC. The gamma-carboxyglutamic acid fragment of protein C suppressed the PCI-mediated inhibition of APC on solid phase RBC or PE. Most of the APC.PCI complex formed on solid phase RBC or PE was released into the soluble phase. These findings suggest that PCI secreted from activated platelets binds preferably to PE of platelet membrane and microvesicles and that it inhibits phospholipid-bound APC efficiently.

Animals↗

Platelet activation is increased in patients with cardiomyopathy: myocardial inflammation and platelet reactivity.

Thrombotic events are a major complication in patients with cardiomyopathy, in which inflammation is often found within the heart. We examined the platelet activation in patients with cardiomyopathy with and without myocardial infiltrates. Endomyocardial biopsies of 45 patients with cardiomyopathy (CM) were immunohistologically assessed for infiltrates. Twenty-three patients had myocardial infiltrates (>/= 2 CD3(+) cells/high power field (HPF), CM+) and 22 patients had no inflammation (< 2 CD3(+) cells/HPF, CM-). Platelet adhesion proteins were flow cytometrically quantified (thrombospondin, P-selectin, CD 41) and platelet activation in CM compared to 45 healthy controls. Significantly more activated platelets were detected in patients with cardiomyopathy than controls (for thrombospondin 13.5% [10.3; 22.0] median [25; 75 quartile] vs. 10.6% [8.2; 16.0], P = 0.002; for P-selectin 12.6% [10.0; 18.6] vs. 7.7% [5.8; 10.9], P < 0.001). Platelet activation was higher in patients with cardiomyopathy and myocardial infiltrates (for thrombospondin 19.0% [11.0; 26.3]) compared to patients without inflammation (12.3% [9.9; 16.0], P = 0.018). Platelet GPIIb/IIIa expression was also increased in patients with inflammation (290 arbitrary units [268, 338]) compared to the controls (215 [188, 248], P < 0.001). In conclusion, platelet reactivity was increased in patients with cardiomyopathy and myocardial infiltrates. Measurement of platelet reactivity may be useful to identify patients with cardiomyopathy at risk for thrombotic events.

Biopsy↗

Giant electron dense chains, clusters and granules in megakaryocytes and platelets with normal dense bodies: an inherited thrombocytopenic disorder III. Platelet analytical electron microscopy.

A woman and her son were referred because of prolonged thrombocytopenia. Ultrastructural studies revealed the presence of giant organelles in their cells never observed previously in human platelets. Our initial reports described the evolution of two types of giant organelles in patient megakaryocytes and platelets. The last report also demonstrated that the large organelles in platelet whole mount preparations were inherently electron opaque like serotonin-rich dense bodies in normal and patient platelets. In the present study analytical electron microscopy of whole mount preparations from the patients and controls revealed that the inherently electron opaque dense and hexagonal precursor fragments, chains, clusters and giant organelles contained high concentrations of calcium and phosphorous, the major elements in normal dense bodies. The ratio of calcium to phosphorous in patient giant organelles was nearly the same as in normal platelet dense bodies. However, as shown in the previous study, levels of serotonin and adenine nucleotides were normal in patient platelets, and giant organelles and their contents were not secreted following activation of platelets with thrombin. Thus, despite the similarity in mineral content responsible for electron density, the giant organelles in patient platelets do no appear to be aberrant serotonin storage organelles.

Adenine Nucleotides↗

EFFECTS OF BACTERIAL ENDOTOXIN ON RABBIT PLATELETS. 3. COMPARISON OF PLATELET INJURY INDUCED BY THROMBIN AND BY ENDOTOXIN.

The platelet injury produced by bacterial endotoxin and thrombin have been compared in studies utilizing citrated rabbit platelet-rich plasma. Endotoxin-induced platelet injury is characterized by a lag period, is progressive, and does not produce gross clot formation. Thrombin-induced platelet injury is immediate, non-progressive, and is associated with clot formation. The quantity of thrombin required to produce clot formation in this citrated system is less than that required to produce release of platelet 5-hydroxytryptamine. The endotoxin-induced platelet injury required extremely large quantities of heparin for inhibition. The platelet injury induced by thrombin can be inhibited by small quantities of heparin. It is concluded that the injurious effects of endotoxin on platelets is mediated through some mechanism other than thrombin formation.

Animals↗

Role of platelet activating factor in ischaemia-reperfusion injury of isolated rabbit hearts: protective effect of a specific platelet activating factor antagonist, TCV-309.

OBJECTIVES: The aims were to confirm that platelet activating factor is released during reperfusion after global ischaemia in isolated blood perfused rabbit hearts, and to examine the protective action of TCV-309, a platelet activating factor antagonist, against reperfusion injury of cardiac muscle. METHODS: The hearts were mounted on a Langendorff apparatus and perfused with diluted blood perfusate. After cardiac arrest with St Thomas's cardioplegic solution, the hearts were subjected to global ischaemia for 120 minutes at 25 degrees C, and then reperfused for 60 minutes at 37 degrees C. Release of platelet activating factor into the coronary effluent was quantified by radioimmunoassay. The effect of TCV-309 on left ventricular function and release of creatine kinase was measured. RESULTS: A pronounced release of platelet activating factor occurred after the commencement of reperfusion, although it was not detectable before induction of ischaemia. Release of platelet activating factor occurred over 60 minutes of the reperfusion period. In the control, left ventricular developed pressure after 60 minutes of reperfusion recovered to 54.3(SEM 1.7)% (n = 5) of the preischaemic value. In the hearts treated with TCV-309 at concentrations above 0.3 microM, recovery of left ventricular developed pressure was significantly improved (77.6(2.0)% at 1 microM, p < 0.01 v control). Leakage of creatine kinase during the initial five minutes of reperfusion was significantly less in the hearts treated with 1 microM TCV-309 than in the controls (5.2(0.4) v 12.2(1.4) IU.g-1 wet weight, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Release of platelet activating factor occurred during the reperfusion period in Langendorff perfused hearts. Treatment with the platelet activating factor antagonist TCV-309 significantly improved postischaemic left ventricular function and decreased creatine kinase release. These results suggest that platelet activating factor is involved in myocardial injury during ischaemia-reperfusion.

Animals↗

Zinc deficiency affects neither platelet arachidonic acid metabolism nor platelet aggregation in rats.

The effects of zinc deficiency on arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism and platelet aggregation were studied in rats. Concentrations of AA metabolites synthesized by collagen-stimulated platelets were greater in rats fed a zinc-deficient diet (ZD group) than pair-fed control rats (PF group). This difference appeared to be due to increased platelet number in the ZD group. Preincubation of platelet-rich plasma of ZD group with various concentrations of zinc sulfate, prior to the aggregation induced by collagen suspension, Affected neither concentrations of AA metabolites nor the degree of platelet aggregation. Contrary to a report by other investigators, ADP-induced platelet aggregation was not impaired in rats fed the zinc-deficient diet for 1 week or 5 days as compared to the pair-fed controls. Secondary phase aggregation was not observed during ADP-induced platelet aggregation regardless of concentrations of ADP, types and concentrations of anticoagulants used, routes of blood collection or types of dietary protein in this study. These results indicated that zinc deficiency does not seem to affect arachidonic acid metabolism or platelet aggregation in rats in relatively short-term studies.

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

Platelet activation in angina at rest. Evidence by paired measurement of plasma beta-thromboglobulin and platelet factor 4.

Indexes of in vivo platelet activation, beta-thromboglobulin and platelet factor 4 were measured in triplicate in plasma from venous blood of 69 patients with proven ischaemic heart disease (IHD), discarding samples with a ratio of the plasma concentrations of the two proteins less than 2.6, in order to rule out sampling artifacts. Compared with 60 control volunteers, differences were not significant [for beta-thromboglobulin controls (ng ml-1, mean +/- SD) 27.8-8.6, ischaemic patients 32.3 +/- 17.1; for platelet factor 4 controls 4.3 +/- 1.4, ischaemic patients 5.9 +/- 5.7]. However, when patients were stratified according to disease activity (Group I--patients without spontaneous ischaemic episodes at rest during 4 days of continuous electrocardiographic monitoring; Group II--patients with less than 1 ischaemic episode/day; Group III--patients with greater than 1 episode/day), these indexes were increased in 'active' patients (for beta-thromboglobulin, in Group II--32.4 +/- 10.5 ng ml-1, P less than 0.05 vs. Group I; in Group III--42.6 +/- 14.6 ng ml-1, P less than 0.01 vs. Group I, P less than 0.05 vs. control. Platelet factor 4 was increased only in Group III--8.9 +/- 7.2 ng ml-1, P less than 0.05 vs. control). Beta-thromboglobulin and platelet factor 4 were 25.0 +/- 6.7 ng ml-1 and 4.9 +/- 4.8 ng ml-1, respectively, in Group I (P = NS vs. control). A relationship with the number of spontaneous ischaemic episodes at rest was confirmed by linear regression analysis (in Group III patients for beta-thromboglobulin: r = 0.76, P less than 0.01, and for platelet factor 4 r = 0.62, P less than 0.01). Levels were not elevated in patients with previous myocardial infarction without ischaemia at rest and/or patients with stable angina, and were not influenced by the occurrence of a positive exercise stress test. Coronary angiograms of ischaemic patients were analyzed to assess the extent and severity of atherosclerotic involvement: for both extent and severity, involvement was similar in the three groups. These data support the hypothesis of the occurrence of platelet activation in patients with spontaneous angina at rest, but not in other subsets of IHD patients, and establish the possibility of detecting in vivo platelet activation in IHD by means of such circulating markers.

Adult↗