Fibrinogen Binding Site Research Articles

Glycoprotein lib peptide 656–667 mimics the fibrinogen γ chain 402–411 binding site on platelet integrin GPIIb/IIIa

The human integrin glycoprotein IIb/IIIa complex plays a central role in haemostasis as an inducible receptor for fibrinogen and other adhesive proteins at the platelet plasma membrane. Current evidence indicates that the ligand-binding domain of GPIIb/IIIa is discontinuous and placed at the subunit interface. Here we show that a synthetic peptide containing the polypeptide stretch GPIIb 656–667, which is hidden within the resting platelet GPIIb/IIIa heterodimer but becomes exposed following platelet activation with thrombin, binds to soluble fibrinogen ( n = 2.3 ± 1.3; K d = 2 ± 0.8 × 10 −5 M). This interaction is Ca 2+-independent and can be partially inhibited with synthetic fibrinogen γ-chain peptide 400–411 but not with GRGDS. In addition, peptide GPIIb 656–667 inhibits in a dose-dependent manner the aggregation of activated platelets (IC 50 = 170μM). Altogether, our results indicate that the GPIIb 656–667 region may form part of the inducible fibrinogen binding site and may not overlap with the integrin RGD-recognition domain.

Increased platelet-fibrinogen interaction in patients with hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia

Binding of fibrinogen to platelets washed from the blood of patients with hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia ( n = 25) and control donors ( n = 12) was compared. In addition, the content of platelet glycoprotein IIb was determined by radioimmunoassay. Fibrinogen was bound in significantly higher amounts ( P < 0.02) to hyperlipidaemic platelets activated by ADP than to control ones (107 112 ± 16 371 and 45 612 ± 6495 molecules per platelet, respectively). The mean content of GPIIb was the same in hyperlipidaemic and in control plateles (2.06 ± 0.16 and 1.94 ± 0.21 μg/10 8 platelets, respectively). The amount of fibrinogen bound to the activated hyperlipidaemic platelets showed a positive correlation with total plasma cholesterol and LDL ( r = 0.45 and 0.47, respectively) whereas a negative correlation with plasma HDL was found ( r = −0.50). The increased expression of fibrinogen binding sites similar to that of hyperlipidaemic platelets could be produced by preincubation of normal platelets with palmitic acid. This was evidenced by a significant increase of fibrinogen binding sites in control platelets. This suggests that either palmitoylation of the receptor or microenvironment changes in the membrane lipid bilayer may be responsible for the enhanced platelet receptor capacity to bind fibrinogen.

Platelet activation by C1q results in the induction of alpha IIb/beta 3 integrins (GPIIb-IIIa) and the expression of P-selectin and procoagulant activity.

C1q receptors (C1qR) have been identified on a variety of somatic and cultured cells including peripheral blood platelets. Since platelets are likely to encounter both circulating C1q multimers and C1q associated with the extracellular matrix after complement activation by the classical pathway, the present study was designed to assess the effect of fluid phase and immobilized C1q on platelet function. Platelet adhesion to C1q-coated surfaces was accompanied by the induction of fibrinogen receptors. Scatchard analysis of fibrinogen binding to adherent platelets revealed the binding of approximately 10,000 molecules of fibrinogen per platelet with a Kd of 0.1 +/- 0.03 microM (mean +/- SD, n = 4). Furthermore, fluid phase C1q multimers were noted to aggregate platelets at doses > 5 micrograms/ml. This aggregation was preceded by a rise in inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) (6.9 +/- 2.4 pmoles/10(9) platelets at 15 s, n = 4), and activation of GPIIb-IIIa complexes supporting fibrinogen binding. Platelet aggregation in response to C1q multimers was accompanied by the aspirin-inhibitable release of granule contents and P-selectin (CD62) expression. Platelet aggregation was inhibited by the collagenous domain of C1q (c-Clq) and a monoclonal antibody directed against C1q receptors, suggesting the direct involvement of the 67-kD platelet C1qR. Antibodies against the very late antigen 2 or CD36 collagen receptors were without effect. Platelet exposure to C1q multimers was also accompanied by the expression of procoagulant activity, as demonstrated by the dose-dependent shortening of the kaolin recalcification time of normal plasma from 108 +/- 12 s in the presence of unstimulated platelets to 62 +/- 14 s in the presence of platelets that had been preincubated (5 min, 37 degrees C) with 100 micrograms/ml multimeric C1q (n = 3). These data suggest that platelet interactions with C1q multimers or immobilized C1q, resulting in the activation of GPIIb-IIIa fibrinogen binding sites and the expression of P-selectin as well as platelet procoagulant activity, are likely to contribute to thrombotic events associated with complement activation and inflammation.

Adhesive ligand binding to integrin alpha IIb beta 3 stimulates tyrosine phosphorylation of novel protein substrates before phosphorylation of pp125FAK.

Tyrosine phosphorylation of multiple platelet proteins is stimulated by thrombin and other agonists that cause platelet aggregation and secretion. The phosphorylation of a subset of these proteins, including a protein tyrosine kinase, pp125FAK, is dependent on the platelet aggregation that follows fibrinogen binding to integrin alpha IIb beta 3. In this report, we examined whether fibrinogen binding, per se, triggers a process of tyrosine phosphorylation in the absence of exogenous agonists. Binding of soluble fibrinogen was induced with Fab fragments of an anti-beta 3 antibody (anti-LIBS6) that directly exposes the fibrinogen binding site in alpha IIb beta3. Proteins of 50-68 KD and 140 kD became phosphorylated on tyrosine residues in a fibrinogen-dependent manner. This response did not require prostaglandin synthesis, an increase in cytosolic free calcium, platelet aggregation or granule secretion, nor was it associated with tyrosine phosphorylation of pp125FAK. Tyrosine phosphorylation of the 50-68-kD and 140-kD proteins was also observed when (a) fibrinogen binding was stimulated by agonists such as epinephrine, ADP, or thrombin instead of by anti-LIBS6; (b) fragment X, a dimeric plasmin-derived fragment of fibrinogen was used instead of fibrinogen; or (c) alpha IIb beta 3 complexes were cross-linked by antibodies, even in the absence of fibrinogen. In contrast, no tyrosine phosphorylation was observed when the ligand consisted of monomeric cell recognition peptides derived from fibrinogen (RGDS or gamma 400-411). Fibrinogen-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation was inhibited by cytochalasin D. These studies demonstrate that fibrinogen binding to alpha IIb beta 3 initiates a process of tyrosine phosphorylation that precedes platelet aggregation and the phosphorylation of pp125FAK. This reaction may depend on the oligomerization of integrin receptors and on the state of actin polymerization, organizational processes that may juxtapose tyrosine kinases with their substrates.

4,4′-Di-isothiocyanatostilbene-2,2′-disulphonic acid (‘DIDS’) activates protein kinase C and Na+/H+ exchange in human platelets via α2A-adrenergic receptors

Most agonists stimulate platelets by inducing Ca2+ mobilization, Ca2+ influx and protein kinase C (PKC) activation leading to Na+/H+ exchange, exposure of fibrinogen-binding sites and aggregation. In contrast, previous studies showed that adrenaline induces exposure of fibrinogen-binding sites and aggregation without appreciable changes in cystolic Ca2+ content or PKC activity. In the present study we investigated platelet responses mediated via alpha 2A-adrenergic receptors, using 4,4'-di-isothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulphonic acid (DIDS), which is known to bind to this type of receptor. Addition of DIDS (2-20 microM) induced (i) a rise in cytosolic pH of 0.23 +/- 0.05 pH unit (n = 5) as detected by BCECF fluorescence, due to activation of the Na+/H+ exchanger, (ii) a 3.5-4-fold increase in the phosphorylation of the 47 kDa protein, a major substrate of PKC, (iii) exposure of 81,072 +/- 7293 (n = 3) binding sites for 125I-fibrinogen per platelet, and (iv) irreversible aggregation. These responses occurred without changes in cytosolic [Ca2+], secretion of dense-granule contents and enhanced phosphoinositide metabolism, and were not affected by inhibition of thromboxane A2 generation (30 microM indomethacin). The alpha 2A-adrenergic-receptor antagonists oxymetazoline (500 microM) and yohimbine (1 mM) completely abolished DIDS-induced responses. Inhibition of PKC (1 microM staurosporine) prevented phosphorylation of the 47 kDa protein, the increase in Na+/H+ exchange and exposure of fibrinogen-binding sites. Thus our present data suggest that activation of PKC is an early event in DIDS-induced platelet activation via the alpha 2A-adrenergic receptor, which precedes any of the other known signal-transducing sequences.

Regulation of ligand binding to glycoprotein IIb-IIIa (integrin alpha IIb beta 3) in isolated platelet membranes.

The major platelet integrin, glycoprotein IIb-IIIa, binds soluble fibrinogen only after platelet activation. To investigate the mechanism by which platelets convert glycoprotein IIb-IIIa into a functional fibrinogen receptor, we characterized the opening and closing of fibrinogen-binding sites in isolated platelet membranes and compared the regulatory properties of membrane-bound glycoprotein IIb-IIIa with those of the detergent-solubilized receptor. Basal fibrinogen binding to the membranes possessed many of the properties of fibrinogen binding to activated platelets; however, less than 10% of glycoprotein IIb-IIIa in the membranes was capable of binding fibrinogen. Preincubating the membranes with either an activating glycoprotein IIb-IIIa antibody or alpha-chymotrypsin increased fibrinogen binding. In contrast, agents that require intracellular mediators, such as platelet agonists, guanine-nucleotide-binding-protein activators and purified protein kinase C, did not stimulate fibrinogen binding to the membranes, suggesting that cytosolic factor(s) may be required for activation of the receptor in platelets. Occupancy of glycoprotein IIb-IIIa in the membranes with RGD (Arg-Gly-Asp)-containing peptides reversibly exposed neoantigenic epitopes and fibrinogen-binding sites in the receptor. These conformational changes required membrane fixation to be maintained following peptide removal. Similar results were obtained with purified glycoprotein IIb-IIIa incorporated into phospholipid vesicles, indicating that the resting state of the receptor is favoured in these environments. In contrast, when the conformation of detergent-solubilized glycoprotein IIb-IIIa was altered by exposure to RGD-containing peptides, the receptor remained active even after incorporation into phospholipid vesicles. These results demonstrate that platelet membranes are a useful model in which to study the regulation of glycoprotein IIb-IIIa and suggest that the environment surrounding the receptor may have a profound influence on this process.

Exposure of Platelet Fibrinogen Receptors by Zinc Ions: Role of Protein Kinase C

Previous studies demonstrated that Zn2+ at a concentration of 50 microM increases the number of fibrinogen receptors exposed on ADP-stimulated platelets and that higher concentrations of Zn2+ induce platelet aggregation that appears to be mediated by receptors associated with the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa complex. The purpose of this study was to identify the mechanism by which Zn2+ modulates exposure of fibrinogen receptors on the surface of human washed platelets. We determined that Zn2+ (300-800 microM)-induced platelet aggregation that was not accompanied by the release of [14C]serotonin was not blocked by ADP scavenging enzymes and 5'-p-fluorosulfonylbenzoyl-adenosine, an affinity label for ADP binding sites, but it was inhibited by disintegrins, staurosporine, and EDTA. Zn2+ (50-200 microM) showed a synergistic effect on platelet aggregation and platelet release caused by ADP and N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine, a Zn2+ chelator, and inhibited ADP-induced platelet aggregation that was reversed by Zn2+ (50 microM). Zn2+ (200 microM) increased the number of fibrinogen binding sites and the affinity of albolabrin (a disintegrin isolated from Trimeresurus albolabris snake venom that has been shown to bind to the fibrinogen receptor) on ADP-activated platelets. On the other hand, Zn2+ (100-800 microM) did not increase fibrinogen binding to the purified receptor. Incubation of platelets with Zn2+ (200 microM) resulted in the phosphorylation of a 47-kDa protein that was blocked by staurosporine, an inhibitor of protein kinase C. In conclusion, Zn2+ ions activate protein kinase C and enhance fibrinogen receptor exposure on the surface of platelets stimulated by ADP.

Hydrophobic Affinity Chromatography of Human Thrombin

Hydrophobic affinity chromatography on p-chlorobenzylamido-agarose (p-CBA-agarose) was used to characterize various modified forms of human thrombin. Native α-thrombin bound tightly to the column and was eluted with either acetonitrile or 1,4-dioxane, while the catalytically inactive prethrombin 2 did not bind to the matrix. Site-specific chemical modification with pyridoxal 5′-phosphate resulted in the loss of at least 80% of fibrinogen clotting activity but did not influence the binding of thrombin to p-CBA agarose. Modification of thrombin with pyridoxal 5-phosphate is thought to occur at the fibrinogen-binding site and the heparin-binding site. In contrast, binding of thrombin to p-CBA agarose was eliminated by modification of the active site histidine using either H-D-phenylalanyl-L-prolyl-L-arginine chloromethylketone or dansyl-L-glutamyl-glycyl-L-arginine chloromethylketone but not with tosyl-L-lysine chioromethylketone. The presence of either hirudin or heparin blocked the binding of thrombin to p-CBA-agarose but dansyl-arginine-N- (3-ethyl-1,5-pentanediyl)amide had no effect. These results indicate that p-CBA agarose binds to thrombin outside of the enzyme active site and its use should be valuable in characterizing site-specific modified thrombins obtained by either protein engineering or chemical modification.

UVB radiation exposes fibrinogen binding sites on platelets by activating protein kinase C via reactive oxygen species.

Previous studies have shown that ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation causes platelet aggregation by exposing fibrinogen binding sites via activation of an intracellular mechanism. In the present study we have further investigated the routes of platelet activation following UVB exposure. Evidence is provided that UVB radiation does not activate the platelets via the classical Phospholipase A2 and Phospholipase C routes. Despite this observation, UVB-induced fibrinogen binding was found to be correlated with a 40% increase in phosphorylated 47 kD protein. Both findings could be completely inhibited in the presence of staurosporine, a potent inhibitor of protein kinase C (PK-C). In efforts to explain the mechanism of PK-C activation by UV radiation we found that both UV-induced PK-C activation and platelet aggregation were significantly reduced in the presence of specific scavengers for reactive oxygen species including superoxide dismutase and catalase. We conclude that exposure of platelets to UVB radiation can activate PK-C via oxygen radicals, resulting in exposure of fibrinogen binding sites and subsequent platelet aggregation.

Some Major Plasmalemma Proteins of Human Diabetic Platelets are Involved in the Enhanced Platelet Adhesion to Cultured Valvular Endothelial Cells

To extend our investigations on the interaction between diabetic platelets and endothelium, we tried to identify the molecular components involved in the increased adhesiveness of diabetic platelets to cultured valvular endothelial cells (VEC). Platelets from diabetic patients were radiolabeled with ((3)H]-adenine, incubated for 30 min at 37°C with confluent VEC grown in medium containing 4.5 g/L glucose, and the monolayer-associated radioactivity was used to calculate the adhesion index. To identify the plasmalemma proteins involved in the adhesion process, platelets were incubated for 30 min prior to (the) adhesion assay with one of the following monoclonal antibodies: AP-2 (anti GP IIb-IIIa), AP-5 (anti GP IIIa), TM 83 (recognizes an epitope other than the fibrinogen binding site in GP IIIa), PECAM 1.2 (anti PECAM-1) or a polyclonal anti-fibronectin receptor (anti FnR). In addition, two synthetic peptides, RGDS and GPRP, applied alone or together, were used. The effect of paraformaldehyde fixation of diabetic platelets on their adhesion was also tested. The results showed that except for TM 83, all antibodies reduced significantly (∼45%) the adhesion index of diabetic platelets to VEC. The synthetic peptides also decreased the adhesion by ∼30%. Paraformaldehyde-fixed diabetic platelets fail to adhere to VEC. Taken together these observations suggest that: (1) platelet GP IIb-IIIa complex, PECAM-1 and FnR may be instrumental in the increased adhesion of diabetic platelets to VEC; (2) fibrinogen binding sites in the GP IIb-IIIa complex and fibrinogen/fibrin are important contributors to the adhesion process and (3) impairment of diabetic platelets adhesion by chemical fixation, supports the role of cytoskeletal proteins reorganization and redistribution of some plasmalemma components during adhesion.

Molecular Events that Control the Protein C Anticoagulant Pathway

Despite its rather recent identification, the protein C activation system has afforded many investigators with unique opportunities to probe the molecular basis by which cofactors function. Thrombomodulin clearly exerts its specificity switch both by interacting directly with the fibrinogen binding site on thrombin (exosite 1) and by altering the conformation within the enzyme center. At least in the case of thrombomodulin, these conformational changes appear to overcome repulsive interactions between acidic residues in the substrate and the enzyme. To determine whether the models derived from attempts at the molecular analysis of the protein C activation complex are at all relevant to the other coagulation complexes will require further examination, but the concept that residues near the cleavage site contact residues in the free enzyme in an unfavorable fashion, and that the cofactors overcome these inhibitory interactions is a hypothesis that is directly testable for all of the complexes. The availability of crystal structures for the coagulation enzymes, coupled with the capacity to mutagenize both the substrate and the enzyme, promises to provide new insights into molecular events that control coagulation.

A monoclonal antibody (LK-4) which differentiates PLA1 from PLA2 platelet extracts but not intact platelets

A unique murine monoclonal antibody (LK-4) is described which differentiates PLA 1/PLA 1 platelet extracts from PLA 2/PLA 2 and PLA 1/PLA 2 platelet extracts on solid phase ELISA and immunoblot at the 100kD GPIIIa location, but not on intact platelets. LK-4 reacts equally with intact PLA 1/PLA 2 and PLA 2/PLA 2 platelets. Adsorbtion of LK-4 with PLA 1/PLA 1 platelets results in loss of reactivity for intact platelets as well as platelet extracts on ELISA or immunoblot. LK-4 inhibits platelet aggregation induced by ADP, epinephrine, collagen and thrombin, suggesting reactivity at or near the fibrinogen binding site on GPIIIa. It is suggested the LK-4 reacts with a conformation-induced common epitope for PLA 1 and PLA 2 on GPIIIa, with loss of this conformation for PLA 2 GPIIIa following solubilization with Triton X-100.

Regulation of Glycoprotein IIB/IIIA Exposure on Platelets Stimulated With α-Thrombin

Previous studies have shown that binding sites for fibrinogen on platelets stimulated with platelet-activating factor (PAF), adenosine diphosphate or epinephrine rapidly close in the absence of fibrinogen. In the present study we investigated whether alpha-thrombin induced similar changes in the glycoprotein (GP) IIB/IIIA-complex. Whereas 80% of binding sites exposed by PAF closed within 30 minutes (22 degrees C), alpha-thrombin (0.1 U/mL) triggered long-lasting exposure of binding sites for [125I]-fibrinogen and [125I]-fibronectin. Even removal of alpha-thrombin with an excess of hirudin failed to close the binding sites. Similar to PAF, alpha-thrombin-exposed sites rapidly closed after addition of the protein kinase C inhibitor staurosporine (1 mumol/L) or dibutyryl cyclic adenosine monophosphate (250 mumol/L). In contrast, prostacyclin (PGI2, 10 ng/mL), which induced rapid closure of binding sites in platelets stimulated with PAF, failed to close the sites in alpha-thrombin-treated platelets. Removal of alpha-thrombin from the platelets restored the PGI2-sensitivity. These data indicate that a short interaction between alpha-thrombin and platelets triggers long-lasting exposure of GPIIB/IIIA. Furthermore, as long as alpha-thrombin remains bound to the platelets, agonists that activate the PGI2-receptor are unable to close GPIIB/IIIA.

Regulation of glycoprotein IIB/IIIA exposure on platelets stimulated with alpha-thrombin

Previous studies have shown that binding sites for fibrinogen on platelets stimulated with platelet-activating factor (PAF), adenosine diphosphate or epinephrine rapidly close in the absence of fibrinogen. In the present study we investigated whether alpha-thrombin induced similar changes in the glycoprotein (GP) IIB/IIIA-complex. Whereas 80% of binding sites exposed by PAF closed within 30 minutes (22 degrees C), alpha-thrombin (0.1 U/mL) triggered long-lasting exposure of binding sites for [125I]-fibrinogen and [125I]-fibronectin. Even removal of alpha-thrombin with an excess of hirudin failed to close the binding sites. Similar to PAF, alpha-thrombin-exposed sites rapidly closed after addition of the protein kinase C inhibitor staurosporine (1 mumol/L) or dibutyryl cyclic adenosine monophosphate (250 mumol/L). In contrast, prostacyclin (PGI2, 10 ng/mL), which induced rapid closure of binding sites in platelets stimulated with PAF, failed to close the sites in alpha-thrombin-treated platelets. Removal of alpha-thrombin from the platelets restored the PGI2-sensitivity. These data indicate that a short interaction between alpha-thrombin and platelets triggers long-lasting exposure of GPIIB/IIIA. Furthermore, as long as alpha- thrombin remains bound to the platelets, agonists that activate the PGI2-receptor are unable to close GPIIB/IIIA.

Studies of Fibrinogen Binding to Platelets by Flow Cytometry: An Improved Method for Studies of Platelet Activation

Platelet function is dependent upon membrane receptors and their interaction with other proteins. Platelet activation appears to cause a structural change of the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa complex that exposes the fibrinogen binding site, which subsequently binds fibrinogen. Fluorescence-activated flow cytometry (FACS) is an efficient method for studying membrane proteins. Flow cytometry gives single-cell data, allowing the detection of only a small proportion of labelled platelets in whole blood without any washing steps. One problem with this method is that the labelled antibodies and the antigen, if present in plasma, form an immune complex, which may cause false positive reactions due to interaction between mammalian IgG and Fc gamma receptors on the platelets. We show that immune complexes with chicken IgG do not activate human platelets. We have developed a method for measuring platelet-bound fibrinogen in whole blood and platelet-rich plasma utilising fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-conjugated chicken antibodies directed towards human fibrinogen. As low as 1% activated platelets could be detected without interference from Fc-interactions.

Cytochalasin D and E: Effects on Fibrinogen Receptor Movement and Cytoskeletal Reorganization in Fully Spread, Surface-Activated Platelets: A Correlative Light and Electron Microscopic Investigation

Abstract This study investigates the involvement of actin microfilaments in fibrinogen receptor redistribution and cytoskeletal reorganization that takes place in fully spread, surface-activated platelets. Colloidal gold-labeled fibrinogen (Fgn-Au label) in conjunction with video- enhanced differential interference contrast light microscopy (VDIC) was used to identify fibrinogen binding sites, glycoprotein IIb/IIIb (GPIIb/IIIa), on fully spread platelets. Platelets were treated with cytochalasins D and E (5 x 10(-5) mol/L to 5 x 10(-8) mol/L) for 10 minutes, before or after incubation with Fgn-Au label. Results observed with VDIC were subsequently confirmed by high-voltage transmission and low voltage-high resolution scanning electron microscopic examination of the specimens. Preincubation of activated platelets with cytochalasin D or E (5 x 10(-5) and 5 x 10(-6) mol/L) inhibited fibrinogen receptor redistribution and abolished cytoskeletal reorganization in fully spread platelets. After surface-activated platelets were incubated with Fgn-Au label, treatment with the above concentrations of cytochalasin D or E disrupted cytoskeletal reorganization and caused random movement of previously redistributed receptor-ligand complexes. Incubation of platelets with cytochalasin E 5 x 10(-6) mol/L prevented platelet activation and spreading. Thus, actin filaments appear necessary for platelet spreading from the discoid to the fully spread stage. The ligand-triggered, cytoskeletally directed movement of fibrinogen receptors in fully spread platelets appears to be dependent on the presence of intact, polymerized actin. This movement is distinct from the cytochalasin-insensitive accumulation of GPIIb/IIIa-ligand in the channels of the open canalicular system.

Effects of age, sex and the oral contraceptive on the platelet membrane fibrinogen binding site (glycoprotein IIb/IIIa).

1. We have studied the effects of age, sex and the oral contraceptive pill on platelet fibrinogen 'receptor' density (Bmax) and affinity (Kd). 2. [125I]-fibrinogen binding to gel-filtered platelets was assessed after stimulation with adenosine 5-diphosphate (ADP) and thrombin in 60 normal subjects; 37 females and 23 males. 3. For both agonists there was no significant difference in Bmax or Kd between the sexes. A trend towards increasing affinity (reduced Kd) with age was noted in the female group following ADP stimulation. This was not considered to be physiologically relevant. In the group as a whole no significant relationship of Bmax and Kd with age was demonstrated. 4. A further group of eight women taking low dose oestrogen combined oral contraceptive pill were studied on days 7, 14, 21 and 28 of the treatment cycle and compared with eight women with regular ovulatory cycles. No significant variations in Bmax or Kd were detected within or between cycles in these two groups.

Cytochalasin D and E: effects on fibrinogen receptor movement and cytoskeletal reorganization in fully spread, surface-activated platelets: a correlative light and electron microscopic investigation

This study investigates the involvement of actin microfilaments in fibrinogen receptor redistribution and cytoskeletal reorganization that takes place in fully spread, surface-activated platelets. Colloidal gold-labeled fibrinogen (Fgn-Au label) in conjunction with video-enhanced differential interference contrast light microscopy (VDIC) was used to identify fibrinogen binding sites, glycoprotein IIb/IIIb (GPIIb/IIIa), on fully spread platelets. Platelets were treated with cytochalasins D and E (5 x 10(-5) mol/L to 5 x 10(-8) mol/L) for 10 minutes, before or after incubation with Fgn-Au label. Results observed with VDIC were subsequently confirmed by high-voltage transmission and low voltage-high resolution scanning electron microscopic examination of the specimens. Preincubation of activated platelets with cytochalasin D or E (5 x 10(-5) and 5 x 10(-6) mol/L) inhibited fibrinogen receptor redistribution and abolished cytoskeletal reorganization in fully spread platelets. After surface-activated platelets were incubated with Fgn-Au label, treatment with the above concentrations of cytochalasin D or E disrupted cytoskeletal reorganization and caused random movement of previously redistributed receptor-ligand complexes. Incubation of platelets with cytochalasin E 5 x 10(-6) mol/L prevented platelet activation and spreading. Thus, actin filaments appear necessary for platelet spreading from the discoid to the fully spread stage. The ligand-triggered, cytoskeletally directed movement of fibrinogen receptors in fully spread platelets appears to be dependent on the presence of intact, polymerized actin. This movement is distinct from the cytochalasin-insensitive accumulation of GPIIb/IIIa-ligand in the channels of the open canalicular system.

Tissue (type II) transglutaminase covalently incorporates itself, fibrinogen, or fibronectin into high molecular weight complexes on the extracellular surface of isolated hepatocytes. Use of 2-[(2-oxopropyl)thio] imidazolium derivatives as cellular transglutaminase inactivators.

Rabbit hepatocyte surface-expressed tissue (type II) transglutaminase is shown to act as a binding site for fibrinogen or fibronectin and to covalently incorporate these glycoproteins, in addition to itself, into extracellular high molecular weight complexes. This concept is supported by the observation that a nonpeptidyl, active site-directed transglutaminase inactivator (L683685) elicited concentration-dependent (0.1-10 microM) decreases in the calcium-dependent binding and covalent cross-linking of 125I-fibrinogen, 125I-fibronectin, or [14C]putrescine by hepatocyte suspensions. In corroboration with these findings, an antiserum against rabbit liver transglutaminase, which did not cross-react with rabbit factor XIII, elicited concentration-dependent decreases in the calcium-dependent binding and covalent cross-linking of 125I-fibrinogen or [14C]putrescine by hepatocyte suspensions. Western blots of sodium dodecyl sulfate/Triton-insoluble hepatocyte fractions conducted with this antiserum, with a polyclonal antiserum against human erythrocyte transglutaminase, or with a monoclonal antibody (CUB-7401) against guinea pig liver transglutaminase detected the 80-kDa tissue transglutaminase, as well as tissue transglutaminase-immunoreactive bands of higher molecular mass (range of 90 to greater than 200 kDa). The higher molecular weight species were preferentially incorporated, in a time- and calcium-dependent manner, into very high molecular weight complexes which did not enter the stacking gel. Incorporation of these tissue transglutaminase-containing bands into the high molecular weight complexes was inhibited by L683685, indicating that cross-linking by the enzyme was responsible for the assembly of the complexes of which tissue transglutaminase was itself a component. Cellular integrins did not mediate ligand binding under the experimental conditions, as evidenced by the failure of the Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser tetrapeptide or anti-integrin antibodies to inhibit binding or cross-linking of 125I-fibrinogen or 125I-fibronectin, in the presence or absence of transglutaminase inactivators.

The Peptide Glu-His-IIe-Pro-Ala Binds Fibrinogen and Inhibits Platelet Aggregation and Adhesion to Fibrinogen and Vitronectin

Antiplatelet agents are clinically useful as antithrombotic entities. The importance of antiplatelet agents led us to design, synthesize, and characterize a new antiplatelet peptide. This peptide is a presumptive mimic of a ligand binding site on the platelet fibrinogen receptor. Unlike peptides related to Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser and His-His-Leu-Gly-Gly-Ala-Lys-Gln-Ala-Gly-Asp-Val that bind to the fibrinogen receptor, this peptide binds to fibrinogen. The anticomplementarity hypothesis was used to design this presumptive peptide mimic of the vitronectin binding site on the fibrinogen receptor, glycoprotein IIb/IIIa complexes. The resulting peptide (Glu-His-Ile-Pro-Ala) has the characteristics of a fibrinogen binding site mimic: It binds fibrinogen and inhibits both the adhesion of platelets to fibrinogen and platelet aggregation. The peptide also inhibits the adhesion of platelets to vitronectin. The antiplatelet activity of this mimic peptide was dependent on its amino acid sequence, since closely related analogues were either inactive or less active inhibitors of platelet function than the original peptide. These results demonstrate that the peptide Glu-His-Ile-Pro-Ala has the characteristics expected of a mimic of a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa ligand binding site.