Ferric Chloride-induced Arterial Thrombosis Research Articles

Ferric Chloride-Induced Arterial Thrombosis and Sample Collection for 3D Electron Microscopy Analysis.

Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Aberrant thrombosis is a common feature of systemic conditions like diabetes and obesity, and chronic inflammatory diseases like atherosclerosis, cancer, and autoimmune diseases. Upon vascular injury, usually the coagulation system, platelets, and endothelium act in an orchestrated manner to prevent bleeding by forming a clot at the site of the injury. Abnormalities in this process lead to either excessive bleeding or uncontrolled thrombosis/insufficient antithrombotic activity, which translates into vessel occlusion and its sequelae. The FeCl3-induced carotid injury model is a valuable tool in probing how thrombosis initiates and progresses in vivo. This model involves endothelial damage/denudation and subsequent clot formation at the injured site. It provides a highly sensitive, quantitative assay to monitor vascular damage and clot formation in response to different degrees of vascular damage. Once optimized, this standard technique can be used to study the molecular mechanisms underlying thrombosis, as well as the ultrastructural changes in platelets in a growing thrombus. This assay is also useful to study the efficacy of antithrombotic and antiplatelet agents. This article explains how to initiate and monitor FeCl3-induced arterial thrombosis and how to collect samples for analysis by electron microscopy.

Evaluation of the prothrombotic potential of four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate (4F-PCC) in animal models.

ObjectivesAcquired coagulopathy may be associated with bleeding risk. Approaches to restore haemostasis include administration of coagulation factor concentrates, but there are concerns regarding potential prothrombotic risk. The present study assessed the prothrombotic potential of four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate (4F-PCC) versus activated PCC (aPCC) and recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa), using three preclinical animal models.MethodsThe first model was a modified Wessler model of venous stasis-induced thrombosis in rabbit, focusing on dilutional coagulopathy; the second model employed the same system but focused on direct oral anticoagulant reversal (i.e. edoxaban). The third model assessed the prothrombotic impact of 4F-PCC, aPCC and rFVIIa in a rat model of ferric chloride-induced arterial thrombosis.ResultsIn the first model, thrombi were observed at aPCC doses ≥10 IU/kg (therapeutic dose 100 IU/kg) and rFVIIa doses ≥50 μg/kg (therapeutic dose 90 μg/kg), but not 4F-PCC 50 IU/kg (therapeutic dose 50 IU/kg). The impact of 4F-PCC (up to 300 IU/kg) on thrombus formation was evident from 10 minutes post-administration, but not at 24 hours post-administration; this did not change with addition of tranexamic acid and/or fibrinogen concentrate. 4F-PCC-induced thrombus formation was lower after haemodilution versus non-haemodilution. In the second model, no prothrombotic effect was confirmed at 4F-PCC 50 IU/kg. The third model showed lower incidence of thrombus formation for 4F-PCC 50 IU/kg versus aPCC (50 U/kg) and rFVIIa (90 μg/kg).ConclusionsThese results suggest that 4F-PCC has a low thrombotic potential versus aPCC or rFVIIa, supporting the clinical use of 4F-PCC for the treatment of coagulopathy-mediated bleeding.

Characterization of Ferric Chloride-Induced Arterial Thrombosis Model of Mice and the Role of Red Blood Cells in Thrombosis Acceleration.

PurposeThe ferric chloride (FeCl3)-induced thrombosis model is widely used for thrombosis research. However, it lacks standardization with uncertainty in the exact mechanism of thrombosis. This study aimed to characterize thrombus formation in a mouse model.Materials and MethodsWe investigated thrombus formation and stability using various FeCl3 concentrations (10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%, w/v) in carotid arteries of the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) and C57BL/6N mice using the FeCl3-induced thrombosis model. We also investigated thrombus histopathology using immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy.ResultsHigher FeCl3 concentrations induced dose-dependent, faster, larger, and more stable thrombus formation in both strains of mice. However, the ICR mice showed better dose-responses in thrombus formation and stability compared to the C57BL/6N mice. Thrombi were fibrin- and platelet-rich without significant changes across FeCl3 concentrations. However, the content of red blood cells (RBCs) increased with increasing FeCl3 concentrations (p for trend <0.001) and inversely correlated with time to occlusion (r=-0.65, p<0.001). While platelets and fibrin were evenly distributed over the thrombus, RBCs were predominantly located near the FeCl3 treatment area. Transmission electron microscopy showed that RBCs attached to and were surrounded by aggregates of degranulated platelets, suggesting their potential role in platelet activation.ConclusionFaster and larger thrombus formation is induced in a dose-dependent manner by a wide range of FeCl3 concentrations, but the stable thrombus formation requires higher FeCl3 concentrations. Mouse strain affects thrombus formation and stability. RBCs and their interaction with platelets play a key role in the acceleration of FeCl3-induced thrombosis.

Purification and Characterization of Novel Collagen Peptides against Platelet Aggregation and Thrombosis from Salmo salar.

Collagen is a rich source of bioactive peptides and is widely distributed in the skin and bone tissue. In this study, collagen from Salmo salar skin was hydrolyzed with Alcalase or Protamex followed by simulated digestion, YMC ODS-A C18 separation, and ESI-MS/MS analysis. A total of 19 peptides were identified and synthesized for investigation of their antiplatelet activities. Hyp-Gly-Glu-Phe-Gly (OGEFG) and Asp-Glu-Gly-Pro (DEGP) exhibited the most potent activity against ADP-induced platelet aggregation among them with IC50 values of 277.17 and 290.00 μM, respectively, and inhibited the release of β-TG and 5-HT in a dose-dependent manner significantly. Single oral administration of OGEFG and DEGP also inhibited thrombus formation in a ferric chloride-induced arterial thrombosis model at a dose of 200 μmol/kg body weight and did not prolong the bleeding time or cause an immune response in mice. Therefore, our findings indicated that collagen peptides had a potential to be developed into an effective specific medical food in the prevention of thrombotic diseases.

The Actin Regulator Coronin-1A Modulates Platelet Shape Change and Consolidates Arterial Thrombosis.

Coronin-1A (Coro1A) belongs to a family of highly conserved actin-binding proteins that regulate cytoskeletal re-arrangement. In mammalians, Coro1A expression is most abundant in the haematopoietic lineage, where it regulates various cellular processes. The role of Coro1A in platelets has been previously unknown. Here, we identified Coro1A in human and mouse platelets. Genetic absence of Coro1A in mouse platelets inhibited agonist-induced actin polymerization and altered cofilin phosphoregulation, leading to a reduction in spreading and low-dose collagen induced aggregation. Furthermore, Coro1A-deficient mice displayed a defect in ferric chloride-induced arterial thrombosis with prolonged thrombus formation and reduced thrombus size. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed a less compact thrombus structure with reduced density of platelets and fibrinogen. In summary, Coro1A has a role in platelet biology with impact on spreading, aggregation and thrombosis.

Vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) is not a major mediator of platelet aggregation, thrombogenesis, haemostasis, and antiplatelet effect of prasugrel in rats

Vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) is a member of actin regulatory proteins implicated in platelet adhesion. In addition, phosphorylation of VASP is utilised for the assessment of platelet reactivity in patients treated with P2Y12 receptor antagonists, a class of antiplatelet agents. However, the role of VASP in platelet aggregation, thrombogenesis, haemostasis, and the antiplatelet effect of P2Y12 receptor antagonists remains unclear. We investigated these effects using heterozygous and homozygous VASP knockout rats generated with a CRISPR/Cas9 system. Baseline characteristics, such as haematology and other biochemical parameters, were comparable among the genotypes. In vitro platelet aggregation stimulated by adenosine diphosphate (ADP) or collagen, P-selectin expression of rat platelets treated with ADP, and in vivo thrombocytopenia induced by collagen were also comparable among the genotypes. In addition, in vivo thrombogenesis in a ferric chloride-induced arterial thrombosis model and bleeding time were also comparable among the genotypes. Furthermore, the in vitro antiplatelet effect of prasugrel, a third-generation P2Y12 receptor antagonist, was unaffected by VASP knockout. Although phosphorylated VASP is still an important surrogate marker specific for P2Y12 antagonists, our findings demonstrate that VASP is not a major mediator of platelet aggregation, thrombogenesis, haemostasis, and the antiplatelet effect of prasugrel in rats.

Ferric Chloride-Induced Arterial Thrombosis Model in Pre-Clinical Drug Development

Ferric Chloride-Induced Arterial Thrombosis Model in Pre-Clinical Drug Development

Tumor-Derived Exosomes Induce the Formation of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps: Implications For The Establishment of Cancer-Associated Thrombosis

Cancer patients are at an increased risk of developing thromboembolic complications. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain cancer-associated thrombosis including the release of tumor-derived extracellular vesicles and the activation of host vascular cells. It was proposed that neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) contribute to the prothrombotic phenotype in cancer. In this study, we evaluated the possible cooperation between tumor-derived exosomes and NETs in cancer-associated thrombosis. Female BALB/c mice were orthotopically injected with 4T1 breast cancer cells. The tumor-bearing animals exhibited increased levels of plasma DNA and myeloperoxidase in addition to significantly increased numbers of circulating neutrophils. Mice were subjected to either Rose Bengal/laser-induced venous thrombosis or ferric chloride-induced arterial thrombosis models. The tumor-bearing mice exhibited accelerated thrombus formation in both models compared to tumor-free animals. Treatment with recombinant human DNase 1 reversed the prothrombotic phenotype of tumor-bearing mice in both models. Remarkably, 4T1-derived exosomes induced NET formation in neutrophils from mice treated with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). In addition, tumor-derived exosomes interacted with NETs under static conditions. Accordingly, the intravenous administration of 4T1-derived exosomes into G-CSF-treated mice significantly accelerated venous thrombosis in vivo. Taken together, our observations suggest that tumor-derived exosomes and neutrophils may act cooperatively in the establishment of cancer-associated thrombosis.

Endogenous tissue factor pathway inhibitor in vascular smooth muscle cells inhibits arterial thrombosis.

Tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) is the main inhibitor of tissue factor-mediated coagulation. TFPI is expressed by endothelial and smooth muscle cells in the vasculature. Endothelium-derived TFPI has been reported to play a regulatory role in arterial thrombosis. However, the role of endogenous TFPI in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in thrombosis and vascular disease development has yet to be elucidated. In this TFPIFlox mice crossbred with Sma-Cre mice were utilized to establish TFPI conditional knockout mice and to examine the effects of VSMC-directed TFPI deletion on development, hemostasis, and thrombosis. The mice with deleted TFPI in VSMCs (TFPISma) reproduced viable offspring. Plasma TFPI concentration was reduced 7.2% in the TFPISma mice compared with TFPIFlox littermate controls. Plasma TFPI concentration was also detected in the TFPITie2 (mice deleted TFPI in endothelial cells and cells of hematopoietic origin) mice. Plasma TFPI concentration of the TFPITie2 mice was 80.4% lower (P < 0.001) than that of the TFPIFlox mice. No difference in hemostatic measures (PT, APTT, and tail bleeding) was observed between TFPISma and TFPIFlox mice. However, TFPISma mice had increased ferric chloride-induced arterial thrombosis compared with TFPIFlox littermate controls. Taken together, these data indicated that endogenous TFPI from VSMCs inhibited ferric chloride-induced arterial thrombosis without causing hemostatic effects.

Improved antithrombotic activity and diminished bleeding side effect of a PEGylated αIIbβ3 antagonist, disintegrin

IntroductionThe applicability of protein drugs is confined by protein degradation and rapid elimination. PEGylation of polypeptides improves protein stability by sterically obstructing the degradation by serum proteases and reduces renal clearance by the increased mass. Experimental approachWe compared the antithrombotic activities of intact rhodostomin (Rn) and PEGylated rhodostomin (PRn) both in vitro and in vivo systems. In addition, the functional half-life in inhibiting platelet aggregation and the tendency in causing bleeding side effect were investigated. ResultsRn and PRn both potently inhibited human and mouse platelet aggregation induced by collagen, thrombin or ADP in vitro with a similar IC50 around 60–100nM. Rotational thromboelastometry assay indicated that PRn was more effective than Rn in preventing clot formation in human whole blood. In platelet-rich plasma from mice injected with Rn or PRn, the inhibitory effects on collagen-induced platelet aggregation were also comparable, but Rn caused higher bleeding tendency. In ferric chloride-induced arterial thrombosis, Rn and PRn significantly prolonged occlusion time at high dosage (0.2μg/g). However, PRn obviously prolonged the occlusion time even given at a lower dosage (0.06μg/g). The functional half-life assay revealed that PEGylation prolonged the in vivo half-life of Rn. ConclusionsPRn exhibits higher antithrombotic potency and longer half-life in vivo as compared with native Rn on a molar basis. In addition, PRn exhibits a better safety profile at an efficacious antithrombotic dose in vivo. Therefore, PEGylation may be one of the ideal options in modifying disintegrin derivatives as the safe therapeutic agents for integrin-related diseases.

Hydrogen sulfide attenuates ferric chloride-induced arterial thrombosis in rats

ABSTRACTHydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a novel gaseous transmitter, regulating a multitude of biological processes in the cardiovascular and other systems. However, it remains unclear whether it exerts any effect on arterial thrombosis. In this study, we examined the effect of H2S on ferric chloride (FeCl3)-induced thrombosis in the rat common carotid artery (CCA). The results revealed a decrease of the H2S-producing enzyme cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) expression and H2S production that persisted until 48 h after FeCl3 application. Intriguingly, administration with NaHS at appropriate regimen reduced the thrombus formation and enhanced the blood flow, accompanied with the alleviation of CSE and CD31 downregulation, and endothelial cell apoptosis in the rat CCA following FeCl3 application. Moreover, the antithrombotic effect of H2S was also observed in Rose Bengal photochemical model in which the development of thrombosis is contributed by oxidative injury to the endothelium. The in vitro study demonstrated that the mRNA and protein expression of CSE, as well as H2S production, was decreased in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-treated endothelial cells. Exogenous supplement of NaHS and CSE overexpression consistently alleviated the increase of cleaved caspase-3 and endothelial cell damage caused by H2O2. Taken together, our findings suggest that endogenous H2S generation in the endothelium may be impaired during arterial thrombosis and that modulation of H2S, either exogenous supplement or boost of endogenous production, may become a potential venue for arterial thrombosis therapy.

Tripeptide SQL Inhibits Platelet Aggregation and Thrombus Formation by Affecting PI3K/Akt Signaling.

Centipede has been prescribed for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases in Asian countries for several hundred years. Previously, a new antiplatelet tripeptide SQL (H-Ser-Gln-Leu-OH) was isolated and characterized from centipede. In this study, we investigated its antithrombotic activities in vivo and underlying mechanism. It was found that SQL inhibited platelet aggregation induced by adenosine diphosphate, thrombin, epinephrine, and collagen and attenuated thrombus formation in both the ferric chloride-induced arterial thrombosis model and arteriovenous shunt thrombosis model in rats. It did not prolong the bleeding time in mice even at the dose of 10 mg/kg that showed potent antithrombosis effects. Molecular docking revealed that SQL binds PI3Kβ with the binding free energy of -24.341 kcal/mol, which is close to that of cocrystallized ligand (-24.220 kcal/mol). Additionally, SQL displayed inhibition on the late (180 seconds) but did not influence the early (60 seconds) Akt Ser473 phosphorylation in the immunoblot assay. These results suggest that SQL inhibits thrombus formation in vivo and that SQL inhibits PI3K-mediated signaling or even the PI3K itself in platelets. This study may help elucidate the mechanism for centipede treating cardiovascular diseases.

Endothelial progenitor cells inhibit platelet function in a P-selectin-dependent manner.

BackgroundThe role of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in vascular repair is related to their recruitment at the sites of injury and their interaction with different components of the circulatory system. We have previously shown that EPCs bind and inhibit platelet function and impair thrombus formation via prostacyclin secretion, but the role of EPC binding to platelet P-selectin in this process has not been fully characterized. In the present study, we assessed the impact of EPCs on thrombus formation and we addressed the implication of P-selectin in this process.MethodsEPCs were generated from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells cultured on fibronectin in conditioned media. The impact of EPCs on platelet aggregation and thrombus formation was investigated in P-selectin deficient (P-sel−/−) mice and their wild-type (WT) counterparts.ResultsEPCs significantly and dose-dependently impaired collagen-induced whole blood platelet aggregation in WT mice, whereas no effects were observed in P-sel−/− mice. Moreover, in a ferric chloride-induced arterial thrombosis model, infusion of EPCs significantly reduced thrombus formation in WT, but not in P-sel−/− mice. Furthermore, the relative mass of thrombi generated in EPC-treated P-sel−/− mice were significantly larger than those in EPC-treated WT mice, and the number of EPCs recruited within the thrombi and along the arterial wall was reduced in P-sel−/− mice as compared to WT mice.ConclusionThis study shows that EPCs impair platelet aggregation and reduce thrombus formation via a cellular mechanism involving binding to platelet P-selectin. These findings add new insights into the role of EPC-platelet interactions in the regulation of thrombotic events during vascular repair.

Thrombolytic and Antiplatelet Effects of a Novel Plasminogen Activator from the Venom of Gloydius Brevicaudus Viper.

To investigate the thrombolytic and antiplatelet effects of a novel plasminogen activator from the venom of the Gloydius brevicaudus viper (GBV-PA) in vitro and in vivo. Thrombolytic experiments were performed in rabbit models of ear vein thrombosis and carotid artery thrombosis and in dog model of acute cerebral infarction. Inhibition of thrombus formation was evaluated in rat inferior vena cava thrombosis model and ferric chloride-induced arterial thrombosis. In vitro, we assayed the antithrombotic effect of GBV-PA on rabbit blood clots, euglobulin lysis time (ELT) of rabbit plasma, and ADP-induced platelet aggregation. GBV-PA intravenous administration significantly reduced vascular recanalization times of rabbit ear veins thrombosis and thrombus weight of rabbit carotid artery thrombosis. The arterial recanalization rates were dose- and time-dependently improved after the administration of GBV-PA in canine acute cerebral infarction model. Thrombus length and weight were significantly reduced by GBV-PA both in rat inferior vena cava and ferric chloride-induced arterial thrombosis models. Thrombus formation in the blood of rabbits that were administered of GBV-PA was also inhibited. GBV-PA radically reduced plasma ELT of the rabbit's blood clots. ADP-induced platelet aggregation was inhibited by GBV-PA in a dose-dependent manner with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration of 19.9 μg/mL. This study demonstrates that GBV-PA is a thrombolytic and antiplatelet agent. It has significant antithrombotic effects on various in vitro and in vivo experimental models of thrombosis. The mechanisms that underline its antithrombotic effects were related to GBV-PA's capabilities of increasing fibrinolytic activity and inhibition of platelet aggregation.

Adaptive immunity and inflammation.

Inflammation is part of a complex biological response to injury as a result of different stimuli such as pathogens, damaged cells, or irritants. Local signals at the sites of inflammation mediate rapid cells mobilization and recruitment and dictate differentiation programs whereby these cells drive clearance of “inflammatory inducers” and promote resolution and restoration of tissue homeostasis. However, persistent inflammatory stimuli or dysregulation of mechanisms of the resolution phase can lead to chronic inflammation. This phenomenon, from a “temporal point of view,” distinguishes a first cellular subset that responds to proinflammatory stimuli, commonly referred to as innate immunity (PMN, monocytes), later followed by a second phase, classically catalogued as the adaptive immune response (T and B lymphocytes). Inflammation is more generally associated with the innate immune response, however, increasing experimental and clinical evidence has highlighted its importance in antigen driven adaptive immune responses. Intriguingly, the hypothesis that components of adaptive immunity involve the generation of memory cells which can also fuel the chronic nature of inflammation driven by the adaptive arm of the immune response is now emerging. This “novel view” supports the view that lymphocytes cooperate with innate immune cells and collectively orchestrate the inflammatory response. Original research and review articles successfully submitted to this special issue have stimulated the continuing efforts to understand the interaction between adaptive immunity and the inflammatory process. This special issue, also pays particular attention to the role of proinflammatory Th17 T cells and T cell derived cytokines in autoimmune, cardiovascular, and infectious diseases (“Interleukin-17A Exacerbates Ferric Chloride-Induced Arterial Thrombosis in Rat Carotid Artery,” authored by F. Maione et al.; “Th17 Cells in Autoimmune and Infectious Diseases,” authored by J. F. Zambrano-Zaragoza et al.; “Limited Applicability of GW9662 to Elucidate PPARγ-Mediated Fatty Acid Effects in Primary Human T-Helper Cells,” authored by A. Jaudszus et al.). Moreover, this special issue has highlighted the importance of lymphocytes involvement during acute and chronic inflammation (“Live Combined Bacillus subtilis and Enterococcus faecium Ameliorate Murine Experimental Colitis by Immunosuppression,” authored by S. Chen et al.; “Contradictory Immune Response in Post Liver Transplantation Hepatitis B and C,” authored by A. Takaki et al.; “Neurotensin Decreases the Proinflammatory Status of Human Skin Fibroblasts and Increases Epidermal Growth Factor Expression,” authored by L. P. da Silva et al.). We hope that this special issue will stimulate the interest of scientists working in different areas of inflammation and immunology and highlight the need for continuing research in the area. Brancaleone Vincenzo Iqbal J. Asif Paschalidis Nikolaos Maione Francesco

Interleukin-17A Exacerbates Ferric Chloride-Induced Arterial Thrombosis in Rat Carotid Artery.

Interleukin-17A (IL-17A), the most widely studied member of the IL-17 cytokine family, is a cytokine which emerged to be critical for host defense as well as in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders. Moreover, IL-17A is involved in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis and acute coronary syndrome and in the cardiovascular risk associated with systemic immunological disorders. Consistent with this, we have recently shown that IL-17A increases human and murine platelet response to ADP. In this study we expanded our previous observation and we describe for the first time an in vivo prothrombotic effect of the cytokine. Our results show that IL-17A is synergic with a low FeCl3 concentration in inducing carotid thrombus in rats and suggest that the effect is likely related to a downregulation of CD39 vascular expression and hydrolyzing activity. Our findings indicate that IL-17A might be an important molecule at the interface between hemostasis and inflammation. “This paper is dedicated to the memory of Professor Alfredo Colonna”

Antithrombotic Activity of a Newly Synthesized Coumarin Derivative 3‐(5‐Hydroxy‐2,2‐dimethyl‐chroman‐6‐yl)‐N‐{2‐[3‐(5‐hydroxy‐2,2‐dimethyl‐chroman‐6‐yl)‐propionylamino]‐ethyl}‐propionamide

Anti-platelet therapy is a useful strategy to prevent acute thromboembolic artery occlusions. This study was designed to assess the efficacy of seselin derivatives against murine pulmonary thromboembolism, bleeding time, platelet activation and thrombosis. Administration of C3 (16 mg/kg) offered 70% protection against collagen- and epinephrine-induced pulmonary thromboembolism and 30% protection against arachidonic acid-induced death in mice, without adversely affecting bleeding time. No significant difference was observed by C3 in ferric chloride-induced arterial thrombosis in rats. Significant reduction in thrombus weight was observed in arteriovenous shunt model. In rat PRP, C3 reduced ADP and collagen-induced platelet aggregation. In chronic hamster model of dyslipidemia, administration of C3 (16 mg/kg p.o. for 90 days) had no effect on plasma lipids, vasoreactivity and platelet adhesion. C3 fed hamsters showed reduced whole-blood aggregation response to ADP and collagen compared to HC-fed hamsters. In addition, C3 augmented thrombin time; however, time to occlusion was not increased. These results convincingly demonstrated that C3 is a novel molecule that reduces the risk of thrombosis and alleviates prothrombotic state associated with hyperlipidemia without any adverse effect on bleeding time. The high benefit/risk ratio of this compound makes it a suitable candidate for future valid studies.

Altered microtubule equilibrium and impaired thrombus stability in mice lacking RanBP10

AbstractThe crucial function of blood platelets in hemostasis is to prevent blood loss by stable thrombus formation. This process is driven by orchestrated mechanisms including several signal transduction cascades and morphologic transformations. The cytoplasmic microtubule modulator RanBP10 is a Ran and β1-tubulin binding protein that is essential for platelet granule release and mice lacking RanBP10 harbor a severe bleeding phenotype. In this study, we demonstrate that RanBP10-nullizygous platelets show normal adhesion on collagen and von Willebrand factor under flow conditions. However, using a ferric chloride-induced arterial thrombosis model, the formation of stable thrombi was significantly impaired, preventing vessel occlusion or leading to recanalization and thromboembolization. Delta-granule secretion was normal in mutant mice, whereas platelet shape change in aggregometry was attenuated. Lack of RanBP10 leads to increased β1-tubulin protein, which drives α-monomers into polymerized microtubules. In mutant platelets agonists failed to contract the peripheral marginal band or centralize granules. Pretreatment of wild-type platelets with taxol caused microtubule stabilization and phenocopied the attenuated shape change in response to collagen, suggesting that RanBP10 inhibits premature microtubule polymerization of β1-tubulin and plays a pivotal role in thrombus stabilization.

Essential domains of a disintegrin and metalloprotease with thrombospondin type 1 repeats-13 metalloprotease required for modulation of arterial thrombosis.

A disintegrin and metalloprotease with thrombospondin type 1 repeats-13 (ADAMTS13) inhibits platelet aggregation and arterial thrombosis by cleavage of von Willebrand factor. However, the structural components of ADAMTS13 required for inhibition of arterial thrombosis are not fully defined. Using recombinant proteins and a murine model, we demonstrated that an ADAMTS13 variant truncated after either the eighth thrombospondin type 1 repeat or the spacer domain inhibits ferric chloride-induced arterial thrombosis in ADAMTS13(-/-) mice with efficacy similar to that of full-length ADAMTS13. The results obtained from monitoring thrombus formation in carotid and mesenteric arteries were highly concordant. Further analyses by site-directed mutagenesis and human monoclonal antibody inhibition assay revealed that the Cys-rich and spacer domains of ADAMTS13, particularly the amino acid residues between Arg559 and Glu664 in the spacer domain, may be critical for modulation of arterial thrombosis in vivo. Finally, the thrombosis-modulating function of ADAMTS13 and variants/mutants was highly correlated with the von Willebrand factor-cleavage activity under fluid shear stress. Our results suggest that the amino terminus of ADAMTS13, specifically the variable region of the spacer domain, is crucial for modulation of arterial thromboses under (patho)physiological conditions. These findings shed more light on the structure-function relationship of ADAMTS13 in vivo and may be applicable for rational design of protein- or gene-based therapy of arterial thromboses.

Antithrombotic effects of bromophenol, an alga-derived thrombin inhibitor

Thrombin, the ultimate proteinase of the coagulation cascade, is an attractive target for the treatment of a variety of cardiovascular diseases. A bromophenol derivative named (+)-3-(2,3-dibromo-4, 5-dihydroxy-phenyl)-4-bromo-5,6-dihydroxy-1,3-dihydroiso-benzofuran 1, isolated from the brown alga Leathesia nana exhibited significant thrombin inhibitory activity. In this study, we investigated the inhibition of human thrombin in vitro with this bromophenol derivative, and its antithrombotic efficacy in vivo using the arteriovenous shunt model and the ferric chloride-induced arterial thrombosis model in rats. The results show that the bromophenol derivative is a potential inhibitor of thrombin (IC(50) = 1.03 nmol/L). In antithrombotic experiments in vivo, the bromophenol derivative also shows good effect comparing with the control group. These data indicate that the bromophenol derivative is a potential drug for prophylaxis and the treatment of thrombotic diseases.