Human Blood Platelets Research Articles

Antioxidant properties of trans-3,3′,5,5′-tetrahydroxy-4′-methoxystilbene against modification of variety of biomolecules in human blood cells treated with platinum compounds

Objective A diet rich in natural antioxidants in combination with anticancer therapy is important in reducing morbidity and mortality in addition to diminishing toxicity and side effects of chemotherapeutic agents. Cisplatin ( cis-diamminedichloroplatinum II, cis-Pt) is a common chemotherapeutic agent, but it causes side effects, including hematologic toxicity with changes in the biological function of blood cells. Methods We compared the action of two phenolic compounds isolated from the bark of Yucca schidigera: trans-3,3′,5,5′-tetrahydroxy-4′-methoxystilbene and resveratrol ( trans-3,4′,5 – trihydroxystilbene, present also in grapes and wine) on oxidative stress induced by cisplatin (used in chemotherapy) and selenium-cisplatin conjugate ([NH 3] 2Pt(SeO 3 [Se-Pt], with a slight toxic effect on blood cells) in human blood platelets and peripheral blood lymphocytes. Results The trans-3,3′,5,5′-tetrahydroxy-4′-methoxystilbene, like resveratrol, significantly inhibited protein carbonylation (measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and western blot analysis) in blood platelets treated with platinum compounds (10 μg/mL) and markedly reduced oxidation of thiol groups of proteins in these cells. The trans-3,3′,5,5′-tetrahydroxy-4′-methoxystilbene, like resveratrol, caused a distinct reduction of platelet lipid peroxidation induced by platinum compounds. The combined action of the tested phenolic compounds with Se-Pt evoked a significant decrease in DNA damage (measured by the comet assay) in lymphocytes compared with cells treated with Se-Pt only. Conclusion We conclude that one promising natural product may be trans-3,3′,5,5′-tetrahydroxy-4′-methoxystilbene, because it is a stronger antioxidant in the tested models in vitro compared with resveratrol ( P < 0.05). The trans-3,3′,5,5′-tetrahydroxy-4′-methoxystilbene can also be useful as a protective factor against platinum compounds during chemotherapy or cancer prophylaxis.

A comparison of the HUPO Brain Proteome Project pilot with other proteomics studies

The pilot phase of the Brain Proteome Project (BPP), the Human Proteome Organization (HUPO) initiative that focuses on studies of the brain of both humans and mice, has now been completed. Participating laboratories studied the proteomes of two human samples derived from biopsy and autopsy as well as three mouse samples from various developmental stages. With the combined and centrally reprocessed data now available, a comparison in terms of protein identifications and project organization is made between the HUPO BPP pilot and three other proteomics studies: the HUPO Plasma Proteome Project (PPP) pilot, a proteome of human blood platelets and a recently published comprehensive mouse proteome. Finally, as any comparison between large-scale proteomics datasets is decidedly non-trivial, we also evaluate and discuss several ways to go about comparing such different result sets.

In vitro comparative hemostatic studies of chitin, chitosan, and their derivatives

AbstractThe effects of chitin, chitosan, and their derivatives on in vitro human blood coagulation and platelet activation were comparatively studied. The coagulation was assessed by the measure of the whole blood clotting time (WHBCT) and plasma recalcification time (PRT). The tested materials were chitin, chitosan, partially N‐acetylated chitosan (PNAC), N,O‐carboxymethylchitosan (NOCC), N‐sulfated chitosan, N‐(2‐hydroxy)propyl‐3‐trimethylammonium chitosan chloride, and SPONGOSTAN® standard (a positive control). The results revealed that the WHBCTs of whole blood mixed with chitin, chitosan, NOCC, or SPONGOSTAN® standard were significantly decreased with respect to that of the pure whole blood (a blank control) (P &lt; 0.05), while the WHBCT value of whole blood mixed with PNAC was not significantly reduced. However, the presence of PNAC significantly lowered the PRT value, similar to the addition of chitin, NOCC, or SPONGOSTAN® standard. Chitosan was found to reduce PRT, but not significantly. In the platelet adhesion and activation studies, the morphology of platelets adherent to the film surfaces of tested materials was examined using a scanning electron microscopic technique. Because of their effective coagulation activites, chitosan, PNAC, and NOCC were further evaluated to determine how platelets behaved when in contact with these film samples for given periods. It was found that NOCC activated platelets most effectively. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 445–451, 2006

Portable dynamic light scattering instrument and method for the measurement of blood platelet suspensions

No routine test exists to determine the quality of blood platelet transfusions although every year millions of patients require platelet transfusions to survive cancer chemotherapy, surgery or trauma. A new, portable dynamic light scattering instrument is described that is suitable for the measurement of turbid solutions of large particles under temperature-controlled conditions. The challenges of small sample size, short light path through the sample and accurate temperature control have been solved with a specially designed temperature-controlled sample holder for small diameter, disposable capillaries. Efficient heating and cooling is achieved with Peltier elements in direct contact with the sample capillary. Focusing optical fibres are used for light delivery and collection of scattered light. The practical use of this new technique was shown by the reproducible measurement of latex microspheres and the temperature-induced morphological changes of human blood platelets. The measured parameters for platelet transfusions are platelet size, number of platelet-derived microparticles and the response of platelets to temperature changes. This three-dimensional analysis provides a high degree of confidence for the determination of platelet quality. The experimental data are compared to a matrix and facilitate automated, unbiased quality testing.

Novel selenoorganic compounds as modulators of oxidative stress in blood platelets

Many selenoorganic compounds play an important role in biochemical processes and act as antioxidants, enzyme inhibitors, or drugs. The effects of five new synthesized selenoorganic compounds (2-(5-chloro-2-pyridyl)-7-azabenzisoselenazol-3(2H)-one; 2-phenyl-7-azabenzisoselenazol-3(2H)-one; 2-(pyridyl)-7-azabenzisoselenazol-3(2H)-one; 7-azabenzisoselenazol-3(2H)-one; bis(2-aminophenyl) diselenide) on oxidative changes in human blood platelets and in plasma were studied in vitro and compared with those of ebselen, a well known antioxidant. Our studies demonstrated that bis(2-aminophenyl) diselenide has distinctly protective effects against oxidative stress in blood platelets and in plasma. It might have greater biological relevance and stronger pharmacological effects than ebselen.

Electron-beam plasma in the production of bioactive agents and drugs

The modification of some biopolymers and amino-acids by the Electron-Beam Plasma was studied experimentally. The plasma was generated by injecting the continuous electron beam in gaseous or vapor media. The powders of the substances under consideration were found to change their physical-chemical and biological properties due to the treatment. The aggregation degree of human blood platelets in vitro was chosen as the quantitative characteristics of the biological effect. The untreated compounds were not dissolvable in distilled water at room temperature and did not inhibit the human platelet aggregation. The modified by the Electron-Beam Plasma synthetic derivative of 2-aminopropanoic acid (alanine) was proved to acquire the anti-aggregation activity for platelets. Products of the plasma modified fibrin-monomer were found to be soluble in water at room temperature and reduced the aggregation degree up to ≈ 33-35 % in vitro, treatment in the water EBP being more effective than the treatment in helium.

Freeze‐dried rehydrated human blood platelets regulate intracellular pH

Long-term storage of platelets (PLTs) in the dry state would greatly improve options for PLT storage. Whether trehalose-loaded freeze-dried and rehydrated PLTs could regulate intracellular pH (pHi) was evaluated. Previously it was shown that human PLTs can be successfully preserved by freeze-drying with trehalose. Trehalose-loaded freeze-dried rehydrated PLTs and fresh control PLTs were labeled with the pH dye BCECF-AM. pHi was measured in resting cells, cells acidified with nigericin, and cells treated with thrombin. The sodium-proton pump was blocked by treatment with 5-(N-methyl-N-isobutyl)amiloride (MIA). The pHi of rehydrated PLTs is the same as that of fresh control PLTs, 7.27+/-0.03 (SD; n=5) and 7.27+/-0.02 (n=5), respectively. Nigericin treatment of cells showed that the recovery in pHi was Na+-dependent and followed Michaelis-Menten kinetics. The Vmax values (DeltapH/9 sec) were 0.21+/-0.039 (n=3) and 0.22+/-0.025 (n=3) for rehydrated and control PLTs, respectively. The exchange constants were 17.7+/-2.3 mmol per L (n=3) and 17.0+/-1.9 mmol per L (n=3) for rehydrated and control PLTs, respectively. Treatment of cells with MIA showed that NHE1 remained sensitive to the inhibitor after freeze-drying and rehydration. The results show that the pHi regulation system is largely preserved during freeze-drying and rehydration of PLTs.

Characterization of the neuronal dopamine transporter DAT in human blood platelets

Compelling evidence suggests a monoaminergic dysfunction in the aetiology of various neuro-psychiatric diseases such as depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), schizophrenia, addiction and Parkinson's disease. The efficiency of monoaminergic neurotransmission is controlled by rapid and efficient reuptake of dopamine out of the synaptic cleft by specific transporters for dopamine, serotonin and noradrenalin. In case of the serotonin transporter, many investigators have determined its function and expression also on peripheral cells such as blood platelets under the assumption that changes in protein expression in these cells might reflect neuronal changes. No comparable studies have so far been performed with respect to the dopamine transporter due to the lack of information about the existence of this protein in platelets. Here, we present pharmacological, immunological as well as microarray and PCR data that human blood platelets express the dopamine transporter protein (DAT), which is identical to that first identified in neurons. Because DAT expression is modulated also in non-neuronal cells independently of gene transcription, platelets may well serve as an easy accessible peripheral system to study DAT regulation in mental diseases or during drug treatment or drug abuse.

The structures of the thrombospondin-1 N-terminal domain and its complex with a synthetic pentameric heparin.

The N-terminal domain of thrombospondin-1 (TSPN-1) mediates the protein's interaction with (1) glycosaminoglycans, calreticulin, and integrins during cellular adhesion, (2) low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein during uptake and clearance, and (3) fibrinogen during platelet aggregation. The crystal structure of TSPN-1 to 1.8 A resolution is a beta sandwich with 13 antiparallel beta strands and 1 irregular strand-like segment. Unique structural features of the N- and C-terminal regions, and the disulfide bond location, distinguish TSPN-1 from the laminin G domain and other concanavalin A-like lectins/glucanases superfamily members. The crystal structure of the complex of TSPN-1 with heparin indicates that residues R29, R42, and R77 in an extensive positively charged patch at the bottom of the domain specifically associate with the sulfate groups of heparin. The TSPN-1 structure and identified adjacent linker region provide a structural framework for the analysis of the TSPN domain of various molecules, including TSPs, NELLs, many collagens, TSPEAR, and kielin.

Intraplatelet signaling mechanisms of the priming effect of matrix metalloproteinase-2 on platelet aggregation

Platelets contain and release some matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), enzymes involved in the degradation of extracellular matrix, and one of these (MMP-2) exerts a proaggregatory effect. We explored the signal transduction mechanisms activated by MMP-2 in human blood platelets. Recombinant, human MMP-2, added before stimulation with subthreshold doses of different agonists, potentiated platelet activation, calcium influx, IP3 formation, and pleckstrin phosphorylation. Wortmannin and LY29400, two PI3-K inhibitors, suppressed the potentiating effects of MMP-2 and preincubation with MMP-2 enhanced the thrombin-induced association of the p85alpha PI3-K subunit with the cytoskeleton and increased the phosphorylation of PKB. Protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors, MAP kinase inhibitors, PLA2 inhibitors, cyclooxygenase inhibitors and antagonists of the P2Y1 and P2Y12 receptors did not affect the potentiating activity of MMP-2 on platelets. Our data show that MMP-2, at a concentration released by activated platelets, facilitates platelet activation acting at the level of a second messenger system common to different agonists and related to the activation of PI3-K. Platelet-released MMP-2 may contribute to platelet activation in vivo.

Pathogen Control in Complex Fluids with Water‐coupled Excimer Lamps at 282 and 308 nm

Water-coupled excimer lamp systems have been developed to inactivate microorganisms within complex, low-optical quality, fluids. Monochromatic lamps were selected to minimize UV-B and UV-C absorption within the carrier fluids while maximizing deposition within specific chemical targets. Fundamentals, system scaling and power supply design are discussed. This work used two large-surface area excimer lamps as intense sources of near monochromatic radiation at 308 and 282 nm. Data are presented for two distinct fluid systems: flow-through processing of large-volume metalworking fluids used in heavy industry and batch irradiation of human blood plasma and platelet suspensions used in transfusion medicine. In the first, a 200-600 L/min reactor is used to control bacterial concentrations within metalworking fluids used in large-scale metal machining processes. Control is defined as the maintenance of 10(3) to 10(4) CFU/mL in fluids that without treatment would have concentrations over 10(7) CFU/mL. The second is a batch process for viral inactivation in undiluted blood bank products. Samples of fresh frozen plasma and platelet suspensions were spiked with high titers of porcine parvovirus (PPV) and irradiated at 308 and 282 nm. Although both wavelengths were effective at reducing PPV levels, 308 nm light resulted in both higher rates of viral inactivation (greater than 6 log units) and lower rates of fluid degradation.

Inability of Probiotic Bacterial Strains Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 and Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 To Induce Human Platelet Aggregation In Vitro

Platelet aggregation contributes to the pathogenesis of infective endocarditis, and aggregation of platelets induced by lactobacilli is thought to be an important contributory factor in the development and progression of Lactobacillus endocarditis. The main purpose of this study was to examine the effect of immunity-enhancing probiotic strains Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 and Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 on the activation and aggregation of human blood platelets. Whole blood samples from healthy individuals were incubated in vitro with HN001 or HN019 and subsequently labeled with platelet-specific monoclonal antibodies, fluorescein isothiocyanate–conjugated anti-CD41a (expressed on normal platelets), and phycoerythrin-streptavidin–conjugated anti-CD62p (expressed on activated platelets) before analysis by flow cytometry. Platelet-rich plasma was used to assist the gating of the platelet cluster. ADP and epinephrine were used as the physiological platelet activation agonists. Platelet aggregation–inducing strain Streptococcus sanguis 133-79 was used as a positive control strain. The mean fluorescence intensity of phycoerythrin and the percentage of platelets expressing the CD62p marker were used to assess the degree of platelet activation. The percentage of CD62p-positive platelets and the light scatter profiles of the agonist-activated platelets were used to identify the occurrence and degree of platelet aggregation. HN001 and HN019 had no effect on spontaneous platelet activation and aggregation; they also failed to exacerbate the platelet aggregation activity induced by ADP and epinephrine. Therefore, these test probiotic strains HN001 and HN019 are less likely to participate in the pathogenesis of infective endocarditis or other thrombotic disorders with regard to platelet aggregation factors.

Thrombin-stimulated glutamate uptake in human platelets is predominantly mediated by the glial glutamate transporter EAAT2

Glutamate toxicity has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various neurological diseases. Glial glutamate transporters play a key role in the regulation of extracellular glutamate levels in the brain by removing glutamate from the extracellular fluid. Since human blood platelets possess an active glutamate uptake system, they have been used as a peripheral model of glutamate transport in the central nervous system (CNS). The present study is aimed at identifying the glutamate transporter on blood platelets, and to asses the influence of platelet activation on glutamate uptake. Platelets from healthy donors showed Na +-dependent glutamate uptake ( K m, 3.5 ± 0.9 μM; V max, 2.8 ± 0.2 pmol glutamate/75 × 10 6 platelets/30 min), which could be blocked dose-dependently by the EAAT specific inhibitors dl-threo- E-benzyloxyaspartate (TBOA), l- trans-pyrrolidine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid ( tPDC) and high concentrations of the EAAT2 inhibitor dihydrokainate (DHK). Analysis of platelet homogenates on Western blots showed EAAT2 as the predominant glutamate transporter. Platelet activation by thrombin caused an increase in glutamate uptake, which could be inhibited by TBOA and the EAAT2 inhibitor DHK. Kinetic analysis showed recruitment of new transporters to the membrane. Indeed, Western blot analysis of subcellular fractions revealed that α-granules, which fuse with the membrane upon thrombin stimulation, contained significant EAAT2 immunoreactivity. Inhibition of the second messengers involved in α-granule secretion (protein kinase C, phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase) inhibited thrombin-stimulated uptake, but not basal uptake. These data show that the glial EAAT2 is the predominant glutamate transporter on blood platelets and suggest, that thrombin increases glutamate uptake capacity by recruiting new transporters (EAAT2) from α-granules.

Effects of Lipopolysaccharides from Gram-Negative Bacteria on the Level of Thiols in Blood Platelets

Lipopolysaccharide (endotoxin, LPS) activates blood platelets and stimulates generation of free radicals in these cells. The mechanism of platelet activation induced by LPS is not known. The aim of the present study was to examine how glutathione (GSH) and other thiol-containing compounds are involved in the oxidative stress in blood platelets caused by LPS. The HPLC technique has been used on the analysis of non-protein thiols from human blood platelets treated with lipopolysaccharides of different gram-negative bacteria (Proteus mirabilis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Our results show that LPSs caused an increase (about 10%) of the level of reduced glutathione (GSH) and other nonprotein thiols such as cysteine (CSH) and cysteinylglycine (CGSH), whereas the total pool of these compounds was almost unchanged. LPS may react directly with thiols, since after incubation of LPSs with glutathione alone (in reduced form) we observed a distinct decrease of the level of platelet GSH.

Circulating serotonin in vertebrates.

The role of circulating serotonin is unclear and whether or not serotonin is present in the blood of non-mammalian species is not known. This study provides the first evidence for the presence of serotonin in thrombocytes of birds and three reptilian species, the endothermic leatherback sea turtle, the green sea turtle and the partially endothermic American alligator. Thrombocytes from a fresh water turtle, American bullfrog, Yellowfin tuna, and Chinook salmon did not contain serotonin. Serotonin is a vasoactive substance that regulates skin blood flow, a major mechanism for endothermic body temperature regulation, which could explain why circulating serotonin is present in warm-blooded species. The temperature sensitivity of human blood platelets with concomitant changes in serotonin content further supports a link between circulating serotonin and thermoregulation. Phylogenetic comparison of the presence of circulating serotonin indicated an evolutionary divergence within reptilian species that might coincide with the emergence of endothermy.

Resveratrol inhibits polyphosphoinositide metabolism in activated platelets

The effects of resveratrol ( trans-3,4′,5-trihydroxystilbene) on activation responses and the polyphosphoinositide metabolism in human blood platelets have been studied. Resveratrol partially inhibited secretory responses (liberation of dense granule nucleotides and lysosomal acid hydrolases), microparticle formation and protein phosphorylations induced by thrombin. The effects of resveratrol on phosphoinositide metabolites, phosphatidate (PtdOH), phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns), phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate (PtdIns-4(5)- P), phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PtdIns-4,5- P 2 ), phosphatidylinositol-3,4-bisphosphate (PtdIns-3,4- P 2 ) and phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate (PtdIns-3,4,5- P 3 ) were monitored in blood platelets prelabelled with [ 32P]P i. Resveratrol not only inhibited the marked increase in levels of PtdOH in platelets activated by thrombin (0.1 U/ml) but it decreased the steady state levels of the other polyphosphoinositide metabolites. The distribution of 32P in phosphoinositides in activated platelets was consistent with inhibition of CDP-DAG inositol transferase and a weak inhibition of PtdIns-4(5)- P kinase. These observations show that resveratrol has a profound effect on phospholipids, particularly on polyphosphoinositide metabolism, and may decrease the amount of PtdIns-4,5- P 2 available for signalling in these cells.

Resveratrol may reduce oxidative stress induced by platinum compounds in human plasma, blood platelets and lymphocytes

Resveratrol (trans-3,4',5-trihydroxystilbene), a polyphenolic compound found in grapes and wine, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-tumor and anti-platelet activities. Using different methods, we show that resveratrol reduces oxidative stress induced by cisplatin (cis-diamminedichloroplatinum II) and selenium-cisplatin conjugate ([NH(3)](2)Pt(SeO(3)), Se-Pt) in human blood platelets, lymphocytes and plasma. Resveratrol decreased the production of 8-epi-prostaglandin F(2) (a biomarker of lipid peroxidation) in control blood platelets and platelets treated with platinum compounds (10 microg/ml), and markedly reduced activities of different anti-oxidative enzymes (glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase) in these cells. A combined action of resveratrol and Se-Pt evoked a significant decrease of DNA damage (measured by comet assay) in lymphocytes compared with cells treated with Se-Pt only. Resveratrol also caused a distinct reduction of total anti-oxidant level in plasma after incubation with platinum compounds. Therefore, anti-oxidative activity of resveratrol may diminish oxidative stress and damage to cellular biomolecules (lipids, proteins and DNA) induced by platinum compounds.

Abstract no.: 4 Effect of statins on macrophage activation after platelet phagocytosis

Statins, through HMGCoA reductase inhibition, are potent inhibitors of cholesterol synthesis and are widely used in cardiovascular disease. Recent evidence suggests that the beneficial effects of statins extend beyond their action on serum cholesterol levels. The so called pleiotropic effects can be attributed to reduced production of isoprenoid intermediates such as farnesylpyrophosphate (FPP) and geranylgeranylpyrophosphate (GGPP). We investigated the effects of statins on macrophage activation after platelet phagocytosis. Platelet phagocytosis is known as an alternative mechanism for foam cell formation and macrophage activation in human atherosclerotic plaques. Processing of amyloid precursor protein (APP), present in platelets, to amyloid‐β (Aβ) might be responsible for induction of the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in macrophages. It has been reported that statins can affect APP processing not only through reduction of cholesterol levels, but also via other mechanisms such as reduced isoprenylation of small GTP binding proteins. Interferon‐γ primed murine J774 macrophages were incubated with washed human blood platelets for 18 h with or without different statins. Nitrite was quantified in the supernatant as a measure for iNOS activity. Macrophage activation following platelet phagocytosis was reduced in the presence of fluvastatin and atorvastatin, but not with simvastatin and rosuvastatin. Besides 30 μM of simvastatin, there was no effect of statins on LPS‐stimulated macrophages, indicating that LPS activates macrophages via a different pathway than platelets. The effect of fluvastatin could be reversed by mevalonic acid, FPP and GGPP. Our results show that some statins decrease macrophage activation after platelet phagocytosis. This effect may be explained by interference with cholesterol synthesis or through reduced isoprenylation of small GTP binding proteins. Diminished macrophage activation in an atherosclerotic plaque can contribute to plaque stabilisation.

Quantitative validation of different protein precipitation methods in proteome analysis of blood platelets

For the preparation of proteins for proteome analysis, precipitation is frequently used to concentrate proteins and to remove interfering compounds. Various methods for protein precipitation are applied, which rely on different chemical principles. This study compares the changes in the protein composition of human blood platelet extracts after precipitation with ethanol (EtOH) or trichloroacetic acid (TCA). Both methods yielded the same amount of proteins from the platelet preparations. However, the EtOH-precipitated samples had to be dialyzed because of the considerable salt content. To characterize single platelet proteins, samples were analyzed by two-dimensional fluorescence differential gel electrophoresis. More than 90% of all the spots were equally present in the EtOH- and TCA-precipitated samples. However, both precipitation methods showed a smaller correlation with nonprecipitated samples (EtOH 74.9%, TCA 79.2%). Several proteins were either reduced or relatively enriched in the precipitated samples. The proteins varied randomly in molecular weight and isoelectric point. This study shows that protein precipitation leads to specific changes in the protein composition of proteomics samples. This depends more on the specific structure of the protein than on the precipitating agent used in the experiment.

UV-C Light Induces Raft-associated Acid Sphingomyelinase and JNK Activation and Translocation Independently on a Nuclear Signal

The initiation of UV light-induced signaling in mammalian cells is largely considered to be subsequent to DNA damage. Several studies have also described ceramide (CER), a lipid second messenger, as a major contributor in mediating UV light-induced c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activation and cell death. It is demonstrated here that UV-C light irradiation of U937 cells results in the activation and translocation of a Zn2+-independent acid sphingomyelinase, leading to CER accumulation in raft microdomains. These CER-enriched rafts aggregate and play a functional role in JNK activation. The observation that UV-C light also induced CER generation and the externalization of acid sphingomyelinase and JNK in human platelets conclusively rules out the involvement of a nuclear signal generated by DNA damage in the initiation of a UV light response, which is generated at the plasma membrane.