Chromogenic Substrate S-2251 Research Articles

Long Acting Anticoagulant Effects of Idraparinux in Patients Treated for Prophylaxis of Recurrent Venous Thromboembolism.

Prophylaxis of recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE) has been investigated in patients with acute VTE participating in the VanGogh DVT, PE and Extension studies for a minimum of 6 months. These patients were given a fixed dose of Idraparinux once a week subcutaneously without coagulation monitoring. The VanGogh DVT/PE studies randomized patients to Idraparinux versus INR-adjusted Warfarin. Patients were then able to follow on to the double-blind VanGogh Extension study comparing Idraparinux versus placebo. Determination of the anticoagulant effects may still be necessary for patients in acute clinical settings. After termination of the studies, the anticoagulant effects of Idraparinux were followed-up in 23 patients using Heptest coagulation method, anti-factor Xa inhibition method (aXa, chromogenic substrate S2222) and prothrombin induced clotting time (PiCT) assay. The study was accepted by the local ethics board and patients gave written informed consent. Serial blood samples were taken for up to 15 months after termination. The Heptest and PiCT methods were prolonged in all patients' blood for 9 to 15 months after therapy termination. The chromogenic assay method showed factor-Xa inhibition for the same period of follow-up. The elimination half-life of Idraparinux was calculated at 60.5 ± 23.3 days using the Heptest method and at 55.1±15.4 days using the aXa-assay method. There were no differences noted in the half-life between patients participating in the DVT/PE and Extension study. The half-lives were independent from patients' body weight and creatinine clearance. The complete pharmacokinetic analysis of the results will be presented. The unexpectedly long half-life may be explained by the lipophilicity of methylated Idraparinux. Overall, the data suggests a benefit from the prolonged antithrombotic effect of Idraparinux as well as an increased risk of hemorrhage after therapy termination, possibly explaining some of the van Gogh studies results.

Decorin Modulates Fibrin Assembly and Structure

Emerging evidence indicates that fibrin clotting is regulated by different external factors. We demonstrated recently that decorin, a regulator of collagen fibrillogenesis and transforming growth factor-beta activity, binds to the D regions of fibrinogen (Dugan, T.A., Yang, V. W.-C., McQuillan, D.J., and Höök, M. (2003) J. Biol. Chem. 278, 13655-13662). We now report that the decorin-fibrinogen interaction alters the assembly, structure, and clearance of fibrin fibers. Relative to fibrinogen, substoichiometric amounts of decorin core protein modulated clotting, whereas an excess of an active decorin peptide was necessary for similar activity. These concentration-dependent effects suggest that decorin bound to the D regions sterically modulates fibrin assembly. Scanning electron microscopy images of fibrin clotted in the presence of increasing concentrations of decorin core protein showed progressively decreasing fiber diameter. The sequestration of Zn(2+) ions from the N-terminal fibrinogen-binding region abrogated decorin incorporation into the fibrin network. Compared with linear thicker fibrin fibers, the curving thin fibers formed with decorin underwent accelerated tissue-type plasminogen activator-dependent fibrinolysis. Collectively, these data demonstrate that decorin can regulate fibrin organization and reveal a novel mechanism by which extracellular matrix components can participate in hemostasis, thrombosis, and wound repair.

Effects of Factor Xa and Protein S on the Individual Activated Protein C-mediated Cleavages of Coagulation Factor Va

Effects of Factor Xa and Protein S on the Individual Activated Protein C-mediated Cleavages of Coagulation Factor Va

Thermodynamic Characteristics of Plasminogen Activation by Indirect Activators

Several indirect plasminogen (Pg) activators are known including streptokinase and the monoclonal antibody IV-Ic, whose mechanism of activation is well studied. To characterize thermodynamically the activation of Pg by streptokinase (SK) and the monoclonal antibody (mAB) IV-Ic, the activation energies were calculated for various reaction stages. Activation energy of 7.4 kcal/mol was determined for the interaction of the chromogenic substrate S-2251 with plasmin (Pm) and activated equimolar complexes Pm-SK and Pg*SK at the steady-state reaction stage, and 18.7 kcal/mol with the complexes Pg*IV-Ic. A 2.5-fold increase in the energy of activation for the Pg*IV-Ic complex suggests a more intricate mechanism of its interaction with the substrate. At the stage of increasing active center concentrations and the formation of activated complexes Pg*SK and Pg*mAB IV-Ic, the activation energy was found to be 10.5 and 38 kcal/mol, respectively. At this reaction stage the conformational rearrangement of Pg molecule with the formation of active center is the limiting stage determining the reaction rate. Unexpectedly high energy of activation at the second stage of interaction between mAB IV-Ic and Pg suggests several simultaneous reactions and complexity of conformation rearrangement in the Pg molecule in activated complexes, thus requiring large energy expense. Formation of the active center is probably accompanied by its transition within a narrow temperature range into another conformation state with the change in activation parameters of the reaction. Quantitative evaluation of the studied reactions from the perspective of thermodynamics of the enzymatic reactions gives more comprehensive characteristics of the activation mechanism.

Structural Determinants of Factor IX(a) Binding in Nitrophorin 2, a Lipocalin Inhibitor of the Intrinsic Coagulation Pathway

Nitrophorin 2 (NP2) is a salivary lipocalin from Rhodnius prolixus that binds with coagulation factors IX (fIX) and IXa (fIXa). Binding of NP2 with fIXa results in potent inhibition of the intrinsic factor Xase complex. A panel of site-directed surface mutants of NP2 was generated to locate determinants of high affinity fIX(a) binding. The locations of the mutations were based on comparisons with the related, but less potent, inhibitor nitrophorin 3 (NP3). Three point mutants (K21A, K92A, and V94A) were found that clearly reduced the inhibitory potency as measured by the activity of a reconstituted factor Xase system. Binding of NP2 with fIXa and fIX as measured by surface plasmon resonance and isothermal titration calorimetry was reduced in a similar manner. Of the three mutants, two (K92A and V94A) were located on the loop connecting beta-strands E and F of the lipocalin beta-barrel. The largest changes were seen with the K92A mutation, which lies at the apex of the loop, with a smaller effect being seen with mutation of Val(94). Combination of four E-F loop mutations (K92A, A93K, V94A, E97A) in a single mutant reduced the inhibitory potency and binding to levels similar to those seen with NP3 without affecting heme or histamine binding.

Thromsbospondin-1 binds to the heavy chain of elastase activated coagulation factor V (FV aHNE) and enhances thrombin generation on the surface of a promyelocytic cell line

Introduction Thrombospondin 1 (TSP1) has the ability to bind to HL-60 cells and to reversibly inhibit human neutrophil elastase (HNE). Human factor V (FV) can be cleaved by HNE thereby providing FV with cofactor activity (FVa HNE). Experiments were performed to evaluate the ability of HNE expressed on the surface of HL-60 cells to generate FVa HNE to support thrombin generation, and to determine the effect of TSP1 on this reaction. Results Western blot analysis showed TSP1 forming a complex with FVa HNE within a region corresponding to the heavy chain of FV. Enzymatic reactions were performed to determine the role of TSP1–HNE–FVa HNE on the surface of HL-60 cells, namely the assembly of the prothrombinase complex. Thrombin generation was measured by the chromogenic substrate S2238. Exposure of factor V to HL-60 cells prior to the addition of prothrombin and activated factor X provided FV with cofactor activity. HL-60 cells were found capable of synthesizing factor V with cofactor activity, but HL-60 cells failed to synthesize and/or to provide factor X with enzymatic activity. The ability of HL-60 cells to synthesize FV and TSP1 was demonstrated. The addition of exogenous TSP1 enhanced both the rate and amount of thrombin generated on the HL-60 cell surface. Conclusion Despite the ability of TSP1 to reversibly inhibit HNE in a purified system, TSP1 expression favors the reactions leading to thrombin generation on the HL-60 cell surface. These observations are relevant to clinical conditions where there is a prothrombotic state such as malignant tumors.

Characterization of a Heritable Bleeding Disorder in a Horse: Reduce PS-Flip Leads to Progressive Dysfunction in the Common Pathway of Platelet Coagulation.

A 3 year old Thoroughbred horse presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital with a three week history of bleeding. Clinical laboratory findings showed normal complete blood count including a normal platelet count. In addition the horse had normal prothrombin and partial thromboplastin times, as well as normal coagulation factors. These data suggested a defect in platelet function. The common pathway of the coagulation cascade occurs at the platelet surface when phosphatidylserine (PS) is flipped to the outer leaflet of the platelet membrane, providing binding sites for the prothrombinase complex that catalyzes the production of thrombin, which carries out the proteolytic activation of fibrinogen. We characterized the capacity of horse's platelets to carry out each of these steps. PS-flip in the patient's platelets was induced using several physiological agonists and found to be significantly reduced after stimulation with thrombin (0.1U/ml). The PS was detected by labeling platelets with FITC-annexin V, and measuring FITC intensity by flow cytometry. In comparison to control platelets, approximately 50% of the patient's platelets were positive for FITC-annexin V after stimulation with thrombin. The fluorescent intensity of the label on the patient's positive platelets was 40% that of controls. The reduced PS on the patient's platelets represents a potential loss of prothrombinase binding sites. Using a prothombinase assay based on the hydrolysis the chromogenic substrate S-2238, we determined the amount of thrombin produced by the patient's platelets over time. In response to thrombin (0.1U/ml), the patient's platelets produced thrombin at a rate of 0.023±0.002 NIH-U/min/1 X 108 platelets, which was significantly less than control platelets, 0.053±0.004 NIH-U/min/1 X 108 platelets. Neither resting platelets nor the thrombin used to stimulate them produced appreciable hydrolysis of S-2238. We correlated this reduced prothrombinase activity with the capacity of the patient's platelets bind FITC-fibrinogen. After stimulation with thrombin (0.1U/ml), control platelets form platelet microaggregates that are intensely labeled with FITC-fibrinogen and can be observed by flow cytometry. The patient's platelets do not form platelet microaggregates and the FITC-fibrinogen labeling is only 20% that of control platelets. This reduced FITC-fibrinogen labeling is not due to a defect in the function of the a2bb3a integrin, because the patient's platelets bind normal amounts of FITC-fibrinogen in response to ADP. In this regard, the affected horse is unlike patients with Glannzmann's thrombasthenia, who cannot bind fibrinogen. Instead, the dysfunction is more closely related to individuals with Scott syndrome, who cannot produce the PS surface that is required for assembly of the prothrombinase and ultimately activation of fibrinogen. Ongoing studies using the techniques described above demonstrate one affected and one normal progeny from the original patient.

A recombinant murine meizothrombin precursor, prothrombin R157A/R268A, inhibits thrombosis in a model of acute carotid artery injury

AbstractMutations in human prothrombin that generate a stable form of meizothrombin or meizothrombin(desF1) cause dysprothrombinemia in both the homozygous and heterozygous state, suggesting that meizothrombin has dominant anticoagulant effects in vivo. The enzymatic characterization of recombinant mouse meizothrombin, meizothrombin(desF1), and thrombin indicates that all 3 enzymes have similar activity toward the chromogenic substrate S-2238, that meizothrombin and meizothrombin(desF1) have less than 10% of the fibrinogen-clotting activity of thrombin, and that meizothrombin is more active than thrombin or meizothrombin(desF1) for thrombomodulin-dependent protein C activation. Thus, activated mouse prothrombin R157A/R268A is similar to human meizothrombin in activity toward S-2238, fibrinogen, and protein C. The time to occlusion after FeCl3-induced carotid artery injury was delayed (11.8 ± 3.6 minutes, n = 5) in Cf2+/- mice infused with prothrombin R157A/R268A compared with control mice infused with wild-type prothrombin (5.3 ± 1.5 minutes, n = 3; P = .006). In this model, prothrombin R157A/R268A has anticoagulant activity that reflects its decreased fibrinogen-clotting activity and preserved protein C-activating activity and is consistent with dominant inhibition of fibrinogen clotting. (Blood. 2004;104:415-419)

Plasminogen activator activity and inhibition in rabbit tears after photorefractive keratectomy

Plasminogen activator is a normal component of tear fluid that plays a role in corneal wound healing processes. This work examines whether inhibitor-induced low levels of plasminogen activator activity (PAA) during corneal re-epithelialization after excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) correlates with the eventual occurrence of haze in rabbit eyes. Tear samples were collected with glass capillaries from 16 eyes of eight New Zealand rabbits, using i.m. injection of pilocarpine hydrochloride for stimulation. Tears were collected before and after PRK surgery, and then daily for 5 days, and every fourth day thereafter for 3 months. Both eyes underwent PRK treatment. One eye of each rabbit was treated as a control while the contralateral eye was treated with aprotinin, a serine protease inhibitor, over the first 7 days. PAA in the tear samples was measured by a spectrophotometric method using human plasminogen and chromogenic peptide substrate S-2251. For the eight control eyes after PRK, the PAA values were significantly lower (day 1) and higher (days 2 and 3) than the equilibrium PAA ( p<0·001). The corneas remained clear in each of these control eyes. For the eight contralateral aprotinin-treated eyes after PRK, the PAA values on days 1–7 were significantly lower than the equilibrium PAA (p<0·001). All eight of these aprotinin-treated eyes developed corneal haze after 2 months. There was no significant difference ( p=0·06) between control and aprotinin-treated eyes for the equilibrium PAA after 19 days. We conclude that a corneal wound healing abnormality (haze) develops in rabbit eyes after PRK when PAA levels are reduced using aprotinin for a week following PRK.

Isolation of anticoagulant from the venom of tick, Boophilus calcaratus, from Uzbekistan

Boophilus calcaratus is a tick found in Central Asia and a common parasite to domestic animals. Venom from this tick was fractionated by two-step column chromatography, Sephadex G-75, and DEAE-Sephadex A-25. The homogeneity of the anticoagulant was examined by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The purified component is named calcaratin and has a molecular weight of 14,500. The effect of the purified anticoagulant component (calcaratin) on various sites of the blood coagulation cascade scheme was examined and compared with crude venom. The chromogenic substrates S-2238 (H-D-Phe-Pip-Arg- pNA 2HCl) for thrombin and S-2765 (N-α-Z-D-Arg-Gly-Arg- pNA 2HCl) for factor X a were also investigated. Activated partial clotting times were all prolonged, suggesting the anticoagulation nature of the purified component and crude venom. Prolongation of fibrinogen clotting time (FCT) is highly suggestive of the antithrombin property of the purified component and its original venom.

Thermodynamic non-ideality as an alternative source of the effect of sucrose on the thrombin-catalyzed hydrolysis of peptide p-nitroanilide substrates

The inhibitory effect of sucrose on the kinetics of thrombin-catalyzed hydrolysis of the chromogenic substrate S-2238 ( d-phenylalanyl–pipecolyl–arginoyl– p-nitroanilide) is re-examined as a possible consequence of thermodynamic non-ideality—an inhibition originally attributed to the increased viscosity of reaction mixtures. However, those published results may also be rationalized in terms of the suppression of a substrate-induced isomerization of thrombin to a slightly more expanded (or more asymmetric) transition state prior to the irreversible kinetic steps that lead to substrate hydrolysis. This reinterpretation of the kinetic results solely in terms of molecular crowding does not signify the lack of an effect of viscosity on any reaction step(s) subject to diffusion control. Instead, it highlights the need for development of analytical procedures that can accommodate the concomitant operation of thermodynamic non-ideality and viscosity effects.

Role of matrix metalloproteinases, cysteine proteases and their inhibitors in atherothrombosis: A molecular genetic approach

The potency and tests for thrombogenicity were studied prospectively in 7 different (two lots of each brand, A - G) prothrombin complex concentrates (PCC). Human albumine (H) and a factor IX concentrate (I), served as controls. The potency of coagulation factors and inhibitors varied considerably. Two brands (E, F) contained no protein S, additionally one brand contained no protein C. Two preparations exhibited high amidolytic activities, especially towards the thrombin-sensitive chromogenic substrate S-2238, in vitro. These activities could be quenched in part by the addition of hirudin or antithrombin III. The heparin and antithrombin III content of the PCCs was significantly different, and, after addition of antithrombin III an increase of thrombin-antithrombin III complexes in 2 preparations (B, D) was observed in vitro. Additionally, three brands (B, D, F) caused more severe cardio-pulmonary reactions in rabbits, associated with an increase of fibrin split products for brands B and D. We conclude that the use of these preparations in patients, in whom an acquired protein C or S defect, or a hypercoagulable state, can be suspected, cannot be recommended.

Alpha 2-macroglobulin enhances prothrombin activation and thrombin potential by inhibiting the anticoagulant protein C/protein S system in cord and adult plasma

Protein S (PS) is a vitamin K-dependent plasma protein and serves as a cofactor for the anticoagulant activities of activated protein C (APC). We investigated the effects of different PS concentrations on prothrombin activation and thrombin generation in cord and adult plasma containing APC and different amounts of alpha 2-macroglobulin (a2-M). Prothrombin activation was assessed by monitoring the time-course of prothrombin fragment 1+2 (F1+2) generation. Thrombin generation curves were determined by means of a subsampling technique using the chromogenic substrate S-2238. We demonstrate a dose-dependent inhibition of the anticoagulant action of PS by a2-M: suppression of F1+2 and thrombin generation due to addition of PS was stronger in plasma containing low amounts of a2-M than in plasma with elevated a2-M levels. Since no complex formation between a2-M and PS was observed by means of SDS-PAGE, we attribute decreased anticoagulant action of PS at high a2-M levels to enhanced complex formation between APC and a2-M. Thereby, APC is subtracted from its cofactor PS, resulting in suppressed formation of the anticoagulant APC/PS complex. Thus, our data suggest that a2-M, besides its well-known anticoagulant effects, also acts as a procoagulant by suppressing the formation of the anticoagulant APC/PS complex. Our findings have implications particularly on thrombin generation and inhibition in cord plasma, since a2-M levels in newborns are elevated over adult values and the antithrombotic APC/PS pathway is up-regulated at birth. Therefore, elevated levels of a2-M might restrict the up-regulation of the APC/PS pathway.

Controlled release of clot-dissolving tissue-type plasminogen activator from a poly( l-glutamic acid) semi-interpenetrating polymer network hydrogel

With the aim of developing an effective therapeutic modality for treatment of thrombosis, a tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA)-loaded porous poly( l-glutamic acid) (PLGA) semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN) hydrogel was developed as a possible local drug delivery system. Porous structure of hydrogel was essential in this system to yield a large surface area so that t-PA release could be facilitated. This semi-IPN hydrogel was prepared using the method of free-radical polymerization and crosslinking of polyethylene glycol (PEG)-methacrylate through the PLGA network. Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO 3) was added to function as a foaming agent under acidic conditions, rendering the semi-IPN hydrogel to be porous. While the added NaHCO 3 provided gas foam in the reaction mixture, the pH in the hydrogel increased to about 7 to 8, which stimulated the polymerization. The porous structure that was presented at both the surface and sublayer was stabilized during hydrogel formation and freeze-drying. The hydrogel thus prepared possessed a porous structure of 10–20 μm in diameter, as determined by scanning electron microscopy. Results showed that the above hydrogel preparation process did not significantly alter the specific activity of the entrapped t-PA with regard to plasminogen activation and fibrin clot lysis ability. The t-PA release from this semi-IPN hydrogel was examined by measuring the plasmin activity using the chromogenic substrate S-2251. Findings in this paper demonstrated that the porous structure of the hydrogel facilitated t-PA release when compared to the dense structure. Aside from the porous structure, other factors including the content of the crosslinker, PLGA and t-PA could all be varied to regulate t-PA release from the hydrogel. These results suggest that a porous PLGA semi-IPN hydrogel could potentially be a useful local delivery system to release active t-PA primarily at the site of a thrombus.

The Use of Prothrombin(S525C) Labeled with Fluorescein to Directly Study the Inhibition of Prothrombinase by Antithrombin during Prothrombin Activation

Serine 525 of human prothrombin was mutated to cysteine and covalently labeled with fluorescein to make II(S525C)-fluorescein. Kinetics of cleavage of this derivative by prothrombinase are identical to those of wild-type prothrombin. Cleavage is coincident with a 50% increase in fluorescence intensity and the product is catalytically inactive. Thus, it allows convenient monitoring of prothrombin activation without generating active thrombin. The kinetics of inhibition of factor Xa (FXa) by antithrombin (AT) and AT-heparin were measured by monitoring activation of II(S525C)-fluorescein and the hydrolysis of the chromogenic substrate S2222 in the presence of AT. With S2222 as the substrate the rate constant for inhibition of FXa, Ca(2+), and unilamellar vesicles of phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylserine (75:25) (PCPS) vesicles by AT was 3.51 x 10(3) m(-1) s(-1); when factor Va (FVa) was included the rate constant was 1.55 x 10(3) m(-1) s(-1). In the absence of FVa, II(S525C)-fluorescein had no effect on inhibition. When II(S525C)-fluorescein was the substrate, however, FVa at saturating concentrations profoundly protected FXa from inhibition by AT, increasing the half-life from 3 min with FXa, Ca(2+), PCPS, and II(S525C)-fluorescein, to greater than 69 min when FVa was included. Thus, both FVa and prothrombin are necessary for this level of protection. In the absence of prothrombin, FVa decreased the second order rate constant for inhibition by the AT-heparin complex from 1.58 x 10(7) m(-1) s(-1), for FXa, Ca(2+), and PCPS, to 7.72 x 10(6) m(-1) s(-1). II(S525C)-fluorescein and factor Va together reduced the rate constant to less than 1% of that for FXa, Ca(2+), and PCPS. At a heparin concentration of 0.2 unit/ml, this corresponds to a half-life increase from 1 s to 136 s.

Plasminogen binding and activation by Mycoplasma fermentans.

The binding of plasminogen to Mycoplasma fermentans was studied by an immunoblot analysis and by a binding assay using iodine-labeled plasminogen. The binding of 125I-labeled plasminogen was inhibited by unlabeled plasminogen, lysine, and lysine analog epsilon-aminocaproic acid. Partial inhibition was obtained by a plasminogen fragment containing kringles 1 to 3 whereas almost no inhibition was observed with a fragment containing kringle 4. Scatchard analysis revealed a dual-phase interaction, one with a dissociation constant (kd) of 0.5 microM and the second with a kd of 7.5 microM. The estimated numbers of plasminogen molecules bound were calculated to be 110 and 790 per cell, respectively. Autoradiograms of ligand blots containing M. fermentans membrane proteins incubated with 125I-labeled plasminogen identified two plasminogen-binding proteins of about 32 and 55 kDa. The binding of plasminogen to M. fermentans enhances the activation of plasminogen to plasmin by the urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA), as monitored by measuring the breakdown of chromogenic substrate S-2251. Enhancement was more pronounced with the low-molecular-weight and the single-chain uPA variants, known to have low plasminogen activator activities. The binding of plasminogen also promotes the invasion of HeLa cells by M. fermentans. Invasion was more pronounced in the presence of uPA, suggesting that the ability of the organism to invade host cells stems not only from its potential to bind plasminogen but also from the activation of plasminogen to plasmin.

Platelet activation and its role in thrombin generation in platelet-induced thrombin generation time

Platelet-induced thrombin generation time (PITT) is a newly developed global coagulation assay in which a small amount of partially anticoagulated platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is rotated in a disc-shaped cuvette within the light beam of a photometer. The time intervals from onset of rotation until aggregation and coagulation of the sample are registered. The aim of our study was to compare platelet activation with generation of thrombin during rotation of PRP in PITT system. Aliquots of PRP were taken before, 1, 3, and 8 min after the onset of rotation as well as at the beginning of aggregation and shortly before coagulation. Thrombin activity was measured with chromogenic substrate S-2238. We have also measured the level of generated prothrombin activation fragment 1+2 (F1+2), which reflects the concentration of liberated thrombin. Platelet activation was assayed by means of platelet factor 4 (PF4) and β-thromboglobulin (β-TG) concentration and registration of the aggregation. The concentrations of the F1+2, PF4, β-TG increased very slowly from the beginning of the test until aggregation occurred. From the start of aggregation, the levels of F1+2 rose rapidly. In contrast to the F1+2 measurements, thrombin activity has not been detected from onset of rotation until the end of the test. Only trace thrombin activity was detectable just after the plasma sample had been clotted in the cuvette. Our results demonstrate that there exists a close relationship between platelet activation and thrombin generation. Viable platelets, which adhered to the cuvette walls, form an active template on which thrombin can be generated from prothrombin.

Colocalization of thrombin, PAI-1, and vitronectin in the atherosclerotic vessel wall: A potential regulatory mechanism of thrombin activity by PAI-1/vitronectin complexes.

The serine protease thrombin is a mitogen for vascular smooth muscle cells. To that end, thrombin cleaves the surface-exposed, protease-activated receptor type 1 (PAR-1), resulting in signal transduction and ultimately, proliferation of these cells. Regulation of thrombin activity in the human atherosclerotic vessel wall has not been studied in great detail, conceivably because the traditional plasma thrombin inhibitor, anti-thrombin III, is not encountered at this location. By using immunofluorescence confocal microscopy, we demonstrate that the antigens of thrombin, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1), and vitronectin (Vn) colocalize in human neointimal atherosclerotic arterial tissue. Furthermore, it is shown by in situ reverse zymography that these specimens harbor the active form of PAI-1, which is the only configuration of PAI-1 capable of complexing with Vn and inhibiting serine proteases, eg, thrombin. Two different criteria were used to establish that neointimal atherosclerotic material contains active alpha-thrombin, namely, its ability to bind to the thrombin inhibitor hirudin and to convert the thrombin-specific chromogenic substrate S2238. The latter activity could be fully prevented by preincubation with the thrombin-specific inhibitor, phenyl-prolyl-arginyl-chloromethyl ketone. The thrombin concentration measured by conversion of the chromogenic substrate was 7 to 12 nmol/L in the vascular specimens studied. This concentration range suffices to activate the PAR-1 receptor on vascular smooth muscle cells and to cause neointimal proliferation. It is concluded that the human atherosclerotic arterial vessel wall provides conditions that favor a regulatory mechanism of thrombin activity by PAI-1/Vn complexes.

Preparation and characterization of ‘heparinocytes’: erythrocytes with covalently bound low molecular weight heparin

In an attempt to create the possibility of stable, long acting, intravascular anticoagulation, low molecular weight heparin was modified by introducing a sulfhydryl group into the molecule (LMWH-SH). Human erythrocytes were covalently grafted with LMWH-SH by the use of a heterobifunctional coupling reagent which reacts with the SH group of LMWH-SH and surface exposed amino groups of erythrocytes now called ‘heparinocytes’ (HC). HC were morphologically indistinguishable from untreated erythrocytes and displayed identical osmotic resistance. The functionality of HC was analyzed by classical coagulation tests in which they dose dependently inhibited clot formation. HC were also functional in recalcified whole blood inhibiting thrombin formation as assessed by the cleavage of the chromogenic substrate S-2238. The system appears applicable as a potential autologous, long-term anticoagulant treatment or prophylaxis.

Gossypol-induced inhibition of plasminogen activator activity in human and ovine acrosomal extract

The effect of gossypol--a polycyclic compound isolated from cotton seeds--on the plasminogen activator activity of man and ram acrosomal extracts was explored in vitro. The action of gossypol on the plasminogen activator activity was investigated by a spectrophotometric method using the chromogenic substrate S-2251. Gossypol, a known antispermatogenic agent, was found to effectively inhibit human and ovine acrosomal plasminogen activator activity. The inhibition was dose-dependent. Plasminogen activator activity from man and ram extracts was completely inhibited by 350 mumol l-1 and 300 mumol l-1 of gossypol, respectively. In additional experiments, low, non-spermicidal concentrations of gossypol (2.5-40 mumol l-1) were found to significantly inhibit plasmin activity in a dose-dependent manner. The results suggest that inhibition of both acrosomal plasminogen activator and plasmin activity is a possible mechanism by which gossypol exerts its antifertility effect, since the plasminogen activator/plasmin system plays a role in the whole process of ovum fertilization.