Isolated Platelet Membranes Research Articles

Cofilin-1 – Induced Actin Reorganization and Phosphatidylserine Exposure in Platelets

Background: Platelet activation leads to the transbilayer movement of phosphatidylserine (PS) from inner to the outer leaflet of membrane bilayer. Exteriorization of PS promotes platelet procoagulant activity by promoting the assembly of tenase and the prothrombinase complex on platelet membrane. In a previous study, we observed that Rho-associated coiled-coil kinase-1 (ROCK1) deficiency in murine platelets or ROCK inhibition by Y-27632 in human platelets resulted in increase in PS exposure and platelet procoagulant activity. ROCK1 deficient platelets had a marked decrease in phosphorylation of cofilin-1. Cofilin-1 decreases actin filament length by increasing the rate of dissociation of actin monomers and its activity is abolished by phosphorylation. These studies suggested a role for cofilin-1-induced actin reorganization in collagen-induced PS exposure. Cofilin-1 activity is also modulated by its interactions with phosphatidylinositol 4, 5-bisphosphate (PIP2) and a cofilin-1 binding protein, Wdr1, which enhances capacity of cofilin-1 to accelerate depolymerization by capping their barbed ends. Here, we studied the role of cofilin-1 phosphorylation and its interaction with PIP2 and Wdr1 in activation induced PS exposure in platelets.Materials and Methods: We isolated platelet membrane, cytosol and cytoskeleton through differential centrifugation from resting and collagen-stimulated platelets and assessed the relative abundance of cofilin-1 and phosphocofilin-1 by mobility shift in phosphate-affinity polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. This method allows simultaneous detection of relative proportions of phosphoproteins and its nonphospho counterparts. For cofilin-1 and Wdr-1 distribution, platelets were immobilized on a polylysine-coated cover slip or on a collagen-coated cover slip, fixed, permeabilized and immunostained with appropriate antibody. In addition, PS exposure (FITC lactadherin binding), F-actin (Alexa Fluor 488-phalloidin) and calcium concentration (Fura-2AM fluorescence) were also measured.Results: Immunofluorescence images show that in resting platelets, cofilin-1 is present in distinct patches in the plasma membrane and following activation with collagen, cofilin-1 is redistributed in a discrete granular pattern throughout the cytoplasm. In parallel, we also studied the relative distribution and the phosphorylation status of cofilin-1 in various subcellular fractions of platelets. In resting platelets, cofilin-1 is present in the plasma membrane and in the cytosol but absent in the cytoskeleton. Following activation with collagen, cofilin-1 moves to the cytoskeleton with a concomitant decrease in the plasma membrane fraction. These results suggest that active cofilin-1 is incorporated into reorganizing actin cytoskeleton during platelet activation. In ROCK1-deficient mice, there is increased cofilin-1 in cytoskeletal fraction, which also correlates with increase in PS exposure. Blocking PIP2 hydrolysis by U73122 prevents cofilin-1 translocation and PS exposure. A cell permeable cofilin-1 peptide containing the actin binding site of cofilin-1 (amino acids Trp104 to Met115) at the carboxy terminus (that competitively inhibits cofilin-1 binding to F-actin), blocks cofilin-1 translocation and decreases PS exposure. Platelets from a Wdr1-deficient mice which express less than 2% of wild-type protein in platelets, showed impaired collagen-induced PS exposure despite equivalent increase in intra platelet calcium compared to wild-type platelets.Conclusion: Our results show cofilin-1 trafficking from membranre to cytoskeleton and subsequent actin reorganization precedes PS exposure during platelet activation. In ROCK1-deficient platelets, there is increased cofilin-1 activity due to decreased serine-3 phosphorylation and it is associated with increased cofilin-1 translocation to actin filaments and enhanced PS exposure. In contrast, inhibiting cofilin-1 translocation, either by inhibiting PIP2 hydrolysis or by competitive inhibition by a cell permeable peptide, prevents cofilin-1 trafficking and decreases PS exposure. Furthermore, in Wdr1-deficient mouse platelets, which have diminished cofilin-1 activity, have impaired PS exposure during platelet activation. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

A biochemical study on the level of lipids and glycoproteins in the serum and platelets of liver cirrhotic bleeders.

Bleeding complication and abnormal platelet functions are associated with liver cirrhosis. The aim of the present investigation was to assess the functional integrity of platelets in terms of lipids like cholesterol and phospholipids, glycoproteins and membrane-bound enzymes. Liver cirrhotic patients with bleeding complications were studied. Age and sex matched normal healthy volunteers were also involved in this study as a control group. Levels of cholesterol, phospholipids, glycoproteins and adenosine triphosphatases were assessed in isolated platelet membrane fraction. The level of glycoproteins and the activity of adenosine triphosphatases were found to be decreased significantly in cirrhotic patients. The cholesterol/phospholipid ratio was found to be altered significantly, indicating an alteration in the fluidity of platelet membrane. The results of this study reveal that the functional impairment of platelets in liver cirrhotic patients which is responsible for their bleeding tendency might also be due to altered lipid and enzyme levels in platelet membrane.

The phospholipid composition and cholesterol content of platelet-derived microparticles: a comparison with platelet membrane fractions

The processes that govern the distribution of molecules between platelets and the microparticles (MP) they release are unknown. Certain proteins are sorted selectively into MP, but lipid sorting has not been studied. To compare the phospholipid composition and cholesterol content of platelet-derived MP obtained with various stimuli with that of isolated platelet membrane fractions. Washed platelets from venous blood of healthy individuals (n = 6) were stimulated with collagen, thrombin, collagen plus thrombin, or A23187. Platelet activation, MP release and antigen exposure were assessed by flow cytometry. MPs were isolated by differential centrifugation. Platelet plasma-, granule- and intracellular membranes were isolated from platelet concentrates (n = 3; 10 donors each) by pressure homogenization and Percoll density gradient fractionation. The phospholipid composition and cholesterol content of MPs and membrane fractions were analyzed by high performance thin layer chromatography. The phospholipid composition of MPs was intermediate compared with that of platelet plasma- and granule membranes, and differed significantly from that of intracellular membranes. There were small but significant differences in phospholipid composition between the MPs produced by the various agonists, which paralleled differences in P-selectin exposure in case of the physiological agonists collagen, thrombin, or collagen plus thrombin. The cholesterol content of MPs tended to be higher than that of the three-platelet membrane fractions. Regarding its phospholipid content, the MP membrane is a composite of the platelet plasma- and granule membranes, showing subtle differences depending on the platelet agonist. The higher cholesterol content of MPs suggests their enrichment in lipid rafts.

Ca 2+/calmodulin binds and dissociates K-RasB from membrane

We have investigated the interaction of calmodulin (CaM) with Ras-p21 and the significance of this association. All Ras-p21 isoforms tested (H-, K-, and N-Ras) were detected in the particulate fraction of human platelets and MCF-7 cells, a human breast cancer cell line. In MCF-7 cells, H- and N-Ras were also detected in the cytosolic fraction. K-RasB from platelet and MCF-7 cell lysates was found to bind CaM in a Ca 2+-dependent but GTPγS-independent manner. The yeast two-hybrid analysis demonstrated that K-RasB binds to CaM in vivo. Incubation of isolated membranes from platelet and MCF-7 cells with CaM caused dissociation of only K-RasB from membranes in a Ca 2+-dependent manner. CaM antagonist, W7, inhibited dissociation of K-RasB. Addition of platelet or MCF-7 cytosol alone to isolated platelet membranes did not cause dissociation of K-RasB and only addition of exogenous CaM caused dissociation. The results suggest a potential role for Ca 2+/CaM in the regulation of K-RasB function.

Influence of exercise on serotonergic neuromodulation in the brain.

Implications of exercise on serotonergic neuromodulation in the brain have been investigated in two studies. Acute paroxetine (selective serotonin (5-HT) reuptake inhibitor) administration to endurance athletes, who performed a cycle ergometer test to exhaustion at moderate intensity, reduced time to exhaustion and post exercise cognitive performance in comparison to trials with placebo or BCAA administration. Furthermore, during a 3-week moderate endurance training of sedentary males basaline values of Bmax of 5-HT transporters (5-HTT) and 5-HT2A receptors (5-HT(2A)R) on isolated platelet membranes increased while plasma prolactin (PRL) concentrations decreased as well as mood and physical efficiency improved. In contrast, after an excessive training program over four weeks, well-trained endurance athletes showed no change of Bmax of 5-HTT, but a decline of 5-HT(2A)R density and an increase in basal plasma PRL concentration. Mood was impaired and central fatigue increased. Thus, the impact of exercise on 5-HT neurotransmission may depend on training state of athletes and extent of exertion. The theoretical background of the implication of exercise and the effect of long lasting exhaustive exercise in athletes on mental and physical efficiency or central fatigue are evaluated. The significance of the primary disturbance of central neuromodulation and dysfunction of 5-HTT, 5-HT receptor subtypes and the phosphoinositol signal transduction as well as the limited modulation capacity of the 5-HT system in overstrain are also addressed.

A molecular mechanism for signaling between seven-transmembrane receptors: evidence for a redistribution of G proteins.

Although activation of one seven-transmembrane receptor can influence the response of a separate seven-transmembrane receptor, e. g., the phenomenon of synergism, the underlying mechanism(s) for this signaling process is unclear. The present study investigated communication between two receptors that exhibit classical synergism, e.g., human platelet thrombin and thromboxane A2 receptors. Activation of thrombin receptors caused an increase in ligand affinity of thromboxane A2 receptors. This effect (i) was shown to be specific, since a similar increase in ligand affinity was not caused by ADP or A23187; (ii) did not require cytosolic components, e.g., kinases, proteases, phosphatases, etc., because it occurred in isolated platelet membranes; (iii) was G protein-mediated because it was blocked by an Galphaq C terminus antibody; and (iv) was associated with a net increase in Galphaq coupling to thromboxane A2 receptors. Collectively, these data provide evidence that seven-transmembrane receptors that share a common Galpha subunit can communicate with each other via a redistribution of their G proteins. Thus, activation of thrombin receptors increases Galphaq association with thromboxane A2 receptors thereby shifting them to a higher affinity state. This signaling phenomenon, which modulates receptor-ligand affinity, may serve as a molecular mechanism for cellular adaptive processes such as synergism.

PLATELET FUNCTION AND PLATELET-LEUKOCYTE ADHESION IN SYMPTOMATIC CORONARY HEART DISEASE. EFFECTS OF INTRAVENOUS MAGNESIUM

Spontaneous P-selectin surface expression on platelets and plateletleukocyte adhesion was increased in patients with symptomatic coronary heart disease (n=12) compared to normal controls (n=10) (p<0.05). ADP-induced P-selectin expression and platelet-leukocyte adhesion was also enhanced in the patient group (p<0.05). Administration of intravenous Mg 2+ significantly reduced both platelet surface expression of P-selectin and platelet-leukocyte adhesion ex vivo (p<0.02). The effect of extracellular Mg 2+ was evaluated in in vitro experiments. Both in whole blood and in isolated neutrophil suspension Mg 2+ inhibited platelet adhesion to neutrophils dose dependently with half maximal effects at 4 mM. Moreover, Mg 2+ inhibited adhesion of isolated platelet membranes to neutrophils. We conclude that platelet function is altered in symptomatic coronary heart disease and can be modulated by administration of intravenous Mg 2+.

Agglutination of isolated platelet membranes.

Platelet membrane glycoproteins play a central role in platelet aggregation and thus in primary hemostasis. To investigate mechanisms of platelet-platelet interaction in the absence of cellular activation events, we studied immunological and functional aspects of isolated platelet membranes. Platelet membranes contained significant amounts of the inducible fibrinogen receptor, glycoprotein (GP) IIb-IIIa, which exposes conformation-dependent LIBS1 and PMI-1 epitopes in response to fibrinogen-mimetic peptides GRGDSP and HHLG-GAKQAGDV. In the presence of soluble fibrinogen, membrane-coated latex beads showed Ca(2+)-dependent agglutination that could be partially inhibited by GRGDSP but not by the biologically inactive peptide GRGESP. Thrombospondin enhanced agglutination of membrane-coated beads, which could be inhibited by polyvalent anti-thrombospondin Fab fragments and anti-thrombospondin monoclonal antibody MA-II. Mg2+ inhibited both GPIIb-IIIa- and thrombospondin-mediated agglutination of membranes in a dose-dependent manner. The results of the present study indicate that isolated platelet membranes are a useful tool to study regulation of GPIIb-IIIa- and thrombospondin-mediated platelet-platelet interaction.

Characterization of the inositol trisphosphate-sensitive and insensitive calcium stores by selective inhibition of the endoplasmic reticulum-type calcium pump isoforms in isolated platelet membrane vesicles

In mixed platelet membrane vesicles the presence of two distinct endoplasmic reticulum-type calcium pump enzymes of 100 and 97 kD molecular mass has been demonstrated. We have previously shown that both calcium pumps were recognized by polyclonal anti-sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium pump antisera [11]. In the present work we studied the effects of several calcium pump inhibitors on active calcium transport and inositol trisphosphate-induced calcium release in these vesicles in an attempt to assign the two calcium pump isoenzymes to specific calcium pools. The effect of the PL IM 430 inhibitory anti-calcium pump antibody was compared to that of other calcium pump inhibitors acting predominantly on the 100 and the 97 kD calcium pump isoforms, respectively. The PL IM 430 antibody, which recognized the 97 kD pump on Western blots and 2,5-di-(tert-butyl)-1,4-benzohydroquinone, which inhibited phosphoenzyme formation of the same pump isoform, inhibited calcium accumulation predominantly into an inositol trisphosphate-releasable calcium pool. On the other hand, low concentration of thapsigargin, which inhibited phosphoenzyme formation mainly of the 100 kD pump isozyme, had a more pronounced effect on calcium uptake into an inositol trisphosphate-resistant pool. These data suggest that in platelets the 97 kD calcium pump isoform is likely to be associated with the inositol trisphosphate-sensitive calcium storage organelle.

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

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

Stimulation of human platelet Ca 2+-ATPase and Ca 2+ restoration by calpain

To clarify the possible role of calpain (calcium activated neutral protease; EC 3.4.22.17) in Ca 2+ homeostasis of human platelets, we investigated the effects of cell permeable calpain inhibitors, calpeptin and E-64d (EST), on the restoration of cytoplasmic Ca 2+ ([Ca 2+] i) in both Fura-2 and aspirin (ASA) loaded platelets. Although neither calpeptin (30 μM) nor EST (250 μM) altered the increase of [Ca 2+] i in thrombin (1 U/ml) stimulated platelets, both calpain inhibitors delayed the decrease of [Ca 2+] i back towards the basal level. These observations suggested that calpain might be involved in Ca 2+ restoration. Then, the activity of Ca 2+-ATPase was examined in thrombin (2 U/ml) stimulated platelets. Thrombin produced a rapid rise in Ca 2+-ATPase activity by 2-fold at 8 s of incubation, which then returned to below the basal activity within 2 min. Calpeptin inhibited transient Ca 2+-ATPase activation induced by thrombin in a dose related manner. Ca 2+-ATPase of isolated platelet membranes was digested by purified human platelet calpain-I and Ca 2+-ATPase activity was investigated. With a short incubation (8–15 s), Ca 2+-ATPase activity was increased about 2-fold and then it decreased below the basal level at longer incubations or at a higher calpain/membrane ratio. The initial rate of Ca 2+ uptake was also increased by about 2-fold with a short incubation (8–15 s). For molecular characterization of the Ca 2+-ATPase, the formation of the enzyme-phosphate complex (EP) was investigated. The membrane bound intact 105 kD Ca 2+-ATPase was converted by calpain to a fragment of approximately 50 kD. These results indicate that calpain might be involved in Ca 2+ restoration through the activation of dense tubular system Ca 2+-ATPase by limited proteolysis.

Reconstitution of thromboxane A2 receptor-stimulated phosphoinositide hydrolysis in isolated platelet membranes: involvement of phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C-beta and GTP-binding protein Gq.

Activation of human platelets by the arachidonic acid metabolite thromboxane A2 and the thromboxane A2 mimic U46619 is mediated through phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C-catalysed hydrolysis of phosphoinositides. We have established conditions to reconstitute U46619-stimulated phosphoinositide breakdown by addition of guanine nucleotides and soluble platelet phospholipase C activities to isolated 32P-labelled membranes. Receptor-activated phosphoinositide hydrolysis was observed in the presence of guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate (GTP[S]) or GTP plus U46619. Phosphoinositide hydrolysis was dependent on both GTP and U46619, with half-maximal stimulation observed at 5 microM and 500 nM respectively. Phospholipase C isoenzymes beta, gamma 1, gamma 2 and delta were purified from platelet cytosol and their ability to reconstitute GTP[S]-dependent and GTP/U46619-dependent phosphoinositide hydrolysis determined. Phospholipase C-beta and -delta, but not phospholipase C-gamma 1 or -gamma 2, catalysed phosphoinositide breakdown in the presence of GTP[S]. In contrast, only phospholipase C-beta was able to reconstitute GTP-dependent U46619-induced hydrolysis. The participation of GTP-regulatory proteins in the reconstitution of GTP[S]- and GTP/U46619-induced phosphoinositide hydrolysis was examined using antibodies to the C-terminals of the alpha-subunits of three of the heterotrimeric GTP-binding proteins expressed in human platelets Gq, Gi2 and Gi3. Anti-Gq antibody, but not anti-Gi2 or Gi3 antibody, inhibited both GTP[S]- and GTP/U46619-dependent reconstitution of phosphoinositide hydrolysis with phospholipase C-beta. In contrast GTP[S]-stimulated hydrolysis by phospholipase C-delta was not inhibited by any of the G-protein antibodies. These results show the functional specificity of GTP-binding proteins and phospholipase C isoenzymes in mediating agonist-induced phosphoinositide hydrolysis in human platelets.

Forskolin inhibits platelet-activating factor binding to platelet receptors independently of adenylyl cyclase activation

The effect of forskolin on platelet-activating factor (PAF) receptor was investigated. Rabbit platelets treated with forskolin showed approximately a 9-fold increase in cAMP levels over the control. After treatment of platelets with forskolin prior to PAF binding, a 30–40% (P < 0.005) decrease in PAF binding was observed. The decrease in PAF binding caused by forskolin was concomitant with a decrease in the physiological responses of platelets induced by PAF. However, this forskolin-induced decrease in PAF binding was not a consequence of cAMP formation as the addition of a cAMP analog could not mimic the action of forskolin. Additionally, the inactive analog of forskolin, dideoxyforskolin, which does not activate adenylyl cyclase, also reduced PAF binding to its receptor. Reduction of PAF binding by forskolin and dideoxyforskolin was also observed with isolated platelet membranes. To understand the mechanism of forskolin induced changes in PAF binding, the involvement of a G-protein in this process was investigated. Cells treated with GTPγS showed approximately a 25% reduction in PAF binding. Addition of forskolin to the GTPγS treated cells resulted in a further reduction in PAF binding, suggesting the action of forskolin was independent of G-protein activation. The data suggests that the action of forskolin was independent of adenylyl cyclase or G-protein involvement. It is speculated that the action of forskolin on PAF binding was due to a direct effect of this molecule and its analog on the PAF receptor itself or to components of the post-receptor signalling for PAF.

Regulation of ligand binding to glycoprotein IIb-IIIa (integrin α IIb β 3 ) in isolated platelet membranes

Regulation of ligand binding to glycoprotein IIb-IIIa (integrin α IIb β 3 ) in isolated platelet membranes

Membrane Fluidity Is Related to the Extent of Glycation of Proteins, but not to Alterations in the Cholesterol to Phospholipid Molar Ratio in Isolated Platelet Membranes from Diabetic and Control Subjects

Platelets from diabetic subjects are hypersensitive to aggregating agents in vitro. Membrane fluidity modulates cell function and we previously reported reduced membrane fluidity associated with hypersensitivity to thrombin in intact platelets from diabetic subjects. Reduced membrane fluidity and hypersensitivity to agonists has also been reported in platelets from non-diabetic subjects whose platelets have an increased cholesterol/phospholipid molar ratio. Glycation of platelet membrane proteins is enhanced in diabetic subjects, and could contribute to the decreased membrane fluidity in these platelets. We examined the relation among fluidity, cholesterol/phospholipid molar ratio, and glycation of proteins in isolated platelet membranes from diabetic and control subjects. Seven poorly controlled diabetic subjects were compared with 7 age- and sex-matched control subjects. The mean steady-state fluorescence polarization value in 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene-labeled isolated platelet membranes from diabetic subjects (0.184 +/- 0.004) was significantly greater than from control subjects (0.171 +/- 0.004, p less than 0.01); thus, fluidity in platelet membranes from diabetic subjects is decreased. Reduced fluidity in platelet membranes from diabetic subjects could not be attributed to changes in the cholesterol/phospholipid molar ratio. Total or very low density (VLDL), low density (LDL), or high density (HDL3) lipoprotein cholesterol concentration in plasma was not significantly different between groups, but the ratio of VLDL+LDL to HDL2 + HDL3 cholesterol was significantly greater in diabetic subjects (4.79 +/- 0.73) than in control subjects (2.54 +/- 0.30, p less than 0.02). Proteins were glycated significantly more extensively in platelet membranes from diabetic subjects (25.5 +/- 0.9 nmol glucose/mg protein) than those from control subjects (21.0 +/- 0.6 nmol glucose/mg protein, p less than 0.001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Decreased Platelet Membrane Fluidity Due to Glycation or Acetylation of Membrane Proteins

Platelets from diabetic subjects and animals are hypersensitive to agonists in vitro. Membrane fluidity modulates cell function and previously we observed reduced membrane fluidity in platelets from diabetic patients associated with hypersensitivity to thrombin. We previously reported that decreased fluidity of isolated platelet membranes from diabetic patients is associated with increased glycation of platelet membrane proteins, but not with any change in the cholesterol to phospholipid molar ratio. We have now examined in vitro whether incubation of platelet membranes in a high glucose medium causes sufficient glycation to reduce membrane fluidity. Incubation of platelet membranes from control subjects in a high glucose (16.1 mM) medium for 10 days at 37 degrees C led to an increase in the extent of glycation of membrane proteins and a decrease in membrane fluidity (indicated by an increase in steady state fluorescence polarization); most of the changes occurred within the first 3 days of incubation. Incubation of platelet membranes with 5.4 mM glucose had less effect. In contrast, incubation of platelet membranes with the same concentrations of 1-0-methylglucose did not cause a change in either the extent of glycation of proteins or membrane fluidity. We also determined if acetylation by aspirin or acetyl chloride of the sites available for glycation on platelet membrane proteins leads to a similar reduction in membrane fluidity. Pretreatment of platelet membranes with aspirin or acetyl chloride diminished the extent of glycation that occurred when platelet membranes were subsequently incubated with glucose, but membrane fluidity was reduced even in the absence of glucose; subsequent incubation with glucose caused no further reduction in membrane fluidity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Phorbol ester treatment of intact rabbit platelets greatly enhances both the basal and guanosine 5′-[γ-thio]triphosphate-stimulated phospholipase D activities of isolated platelet membranes. Physiological activation of phospholipase D may be secondary to activation of phospholipase C

Rabbit platelets were labelled with [3H]glycerol and incubated with or without phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). Membranes were then isolated and assayed for phospholipase D (PLD) activity by monitoring [3H]phosphatidylethanol formation in the presence of 300 mM-ethanol. At a [Ca2+free] of 1 microM, PLD activity was detected in control membranes, but was 5.4 +/- 0.8-fold (mean +/- S.E.M.) greater in membranes from PMA-treated platelets. Under the same conditions, 10 microM-guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate (GTP[S]) stimulated PLD by 18 +/- 3-fold in control membranes, whereas PMA treatment and GTP[S] interacted synergistically to increase PLD activity by 62 +/- 12-fold. GTP[S]-stimulated PLD activity was observed in the absence of Ca2+, but was increased by 1 microM-Ca2+ (3.5 +/- 0.2-fold and 1.8 +/- 0.1-fold in membranes from control and PMA-treated platelets respectively). GTP exerted effects almost as great as those of GTP[S], but 20-30-fold higher concentrations were required. Guanosine 5'-[beta-thio]diphosphate inhibited the effects of GTP[S] or GTP, suggesting a role for a GTP-binding protein in activation of PLD. Thrombin (2 units/ml) stimulated the PLD activity of platelet membranes only very weakly and in a GTP-independent manner. The actions of PMA and analogues on PLD activity correlated with their ability to stimulate protein kinase C in intact platelets. Staurosporine, a potent protein kinase inhibitor, had both inhibitory and, at higher concentrations, stimulatory effects on the activation of PLD by PMA. The results suggest that PMA not only stimulates PLD via activation of protein kinase C but can also activate the enzyme by a phosphorylation-independent mechanism in the presence of staurosporine. However, under physiological conditions, full activation of platelet PLD may require the interplay of protein kinase C, increased Ca2+ and a GTP-binding protein, and may occur as a secondary effect of the activation of phospholipase C.

SQ-27986 inhibition of platelet aggregation is mediated through activation of platelet prostaglandin D 2 receptors

SQ-27986, a oxabicycloheptane derivative, potently inhibits ADP-, collagen- adn arachidonic acid-induced platelet aggregation in human platelet-rich plasma. Human platelet aggregation induced by ADP is inhibited by SQ-27986 (EC 50 = 22nM), and the inhibitory action of SQ-27986 can be prevented with N-0164, a PGD 2 antagonist. By comparison, ADP-induced rat platelet aggreation is unaffected by SQ-27986 (IC 50 > 80 μM). Washed human platelets treated with SQ-27986 exhibit elevated cAMP leves and activated cAMP-dependent protein kinase. Elevation of platelet cAMP levels (greater than 4 fold basal) and activation of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (greater than 4 fold) are observed with SQ-27986 concentrations above 100 nM. The SQ-27986-induced elevation of cAMP cna be prevented by N-0164. Lysed platelets treated with SQ-27986 showed stimulated adenylate cyclase activity. SQ-27986 competes with [ 3H]prostaglandin D 2 binding to isolated platelet membranes (EC 50 for SQ-27986 is 20 nM, which was more potent than cold PGD 2 itself). Radiolabeled Iloprost binding is virtually unaffected by SQ-27986 (EC 50 > 100 μM), indicating that SQ-27986 does not interact with platelet prostacylin receptors. These studies indicate that SQ-27986 inhibits platelet aggregation by activating platelet adenylate cyclase via stimulation of platelet PGD 2 receptors.

Purification and enzymatic characterization of pp60c-src from human platelets.

The purification of pp60c-src has been hampered by the low levels of protein it represents in most cells and its tendency to undergo proteolysis during purification. The discovery that the platelet expresses unusually high levels of pp60c-src has made large-scale purification from a normal source feasible. We have developed a method for the purification of intact pp60c-src to near homogeneity from human platelets and have determined the enzymatic properties of this purified protein in vitro. Rapid, high yield purification of pp60c-src from isolated platelet membranes was achieved in a two-step protocol involving sequential chromatography on an anti-pp60c-src immunoaffinity matrix and phenyl-Sepharose. This protocol yielded 0.5 mg of pp60c-src from 30 units of platelets. Using enolase as an exogenous substrate, the specific activity of the enzyme was 25 nmol P.min-1.mg-1. The Km for MnATP2- for enolase phosphorylation (2.2 microM) was higher than for the autophosphorylation of pp60c-src (0.6 microM). Maximal enzyme activity required either Mn2+ or Mg2+, and both ATP and GTP could be utilized as the phosphate donor. Evidence is shown which indicate that the autophophorylation of pp60c-src in vitro occurs through an intramolecular mechanism and that this reaction is reversible.

Evidence of GTP-binding protein regulation of phospholipase A2 activity in isolated human platelet membranes

G protein regulation of human platelet membrane phospholipase A2 activity was investigated at pH 8.0 and 9.0 by studying the effects of the nonhydrolyzable GTP analogue, guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTP gamma S), and of F-/Al3+ ions on arachidonic acid (AA) release. The membrane acted as the source of the enzyme, the substrate, and the G protein. At pH 8.0, 10 and 100 microM GTP gamma S stimulated AA mobilization at least 6-fold. Optimum AA release conditions required 1 mM Ca2+ and 5 mM Mg2+. Nonspecific nucleotide effect was excluded since similar stimulatory effects on AA release were not observed by ATP, GTP, ADP, and NADP. Although at pH 9.0 the GTP gamma S-stimulated AA release was greater than at pH 8.0, it constituted only 26% of the total. At both pH values the effect of F- (10 mM) in the presence of Al3+ (2 microM) was similar to that of GTP gamma S. The G protein inhibitor, guanosine 5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate), inhibited the GTP gamma S-stimulated AA release by about 80% at pH 8.0 and by 100% at pH 9.0. To determine a possible contribution to AA mobilization by the phospholipase C and diacylglycerol lipase pathway, the effects of neomycin, a phospholipase C inhibitor, were investigated. 100 microM neomycin did not inhibit the GTP gamma S-stimulated AA release at pH 8.0 and only slightly so (17%) at pH 9.0. At pH 8.0 in the presence of Ca2+ the released fatty acids consisted mainly of arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acids (80 and 8%, respectively). GTP gamma S had no effect on the fatty acid profile but only on their quantity. These results provide evidence of G protein regulation of phospholipase A2 activity in isolated platelet membranes.