Platelet Lysosomes Research Articles

Human platelets display dysregulated sepsis-associated autophagy, induced by altered LC3 protein-protein interaction of the Vici-protein EPG5

ABSTRACT Platelets mediate central aspects of host responses during sepsis, an acute profoundly systemic inflammatory response due to infection. Macroautophagy/autophagy, which mediates critical aspects of cellular responses during inflammatory conditions, is known to be a functional cellular process in anucleate platelets, and is essential for normal platelet functions. Nevertheless, how sepsis may alter autophagy in platelets has never been established. Using platelets isolated from septic patients and matched healthy controls, we show that during clinical sepsis, the number of autophagosomes is increased in platelets, most likely due to an accumulation of autophagosomes, some containing mitochondria and indicative of mitophagy. Therefore, autophagy induction or early-stage autophagosome formation (as compared to decreased later-stage autophagosome maturation or autophagosome-late endosome/lysosome fusion) is normal or increased. This was consistent with decreased fusion of autophagosomes with lysosomes in platelets. EPG5 (ectopic P-granules autophagy protein 5 homolog), a protein essential for normal autophagy, expression did increase, while protein-protein interactions between EPG5 and MAP1LC3/LC3 (which orchestrate the fusion of autophagosomes and lysosomes) were significantly reduced in platelets during sepsis. Furthermore, data from a megakaryocyte model demonstrate the importance of TLR4 (toll like receptor 4), LPS-dependent signaling for regulating this mechanism. Similar phenotypes were also observed in platelets isolated from a patient with Vici syndrome: an inherited condition caused by a naturally occurring, loss-of-function mutation in EPG5. Together, we provide evidence that autophagic functions are aberrant in platelets during sepsis, due in part to reduced EPG5-LC3 interactions, regulated by TLR4 engagement, and the resultant accumulation of autophagosomes. Abbreviations: ACTB: beta actin; CLP: cecal ligation and puncture; Co-IP: co-immunoprecipitation; DAP: death associated protein; DMSO: dimethyl sulfoxide; EPG5: ectopic P-granules autophagy protein 5 homolog; ECL: enhanced chemiluminescence; HBSS: Hanks’ balanced salt solution; HRP: horseradish peroxidase; ICU: intensive care unit; LPS: lipopolysaccharide; LAMP1: lysosomal associated membrane protein 1; MAP1LC3/LC3: microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3; MTOR: mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase; MKs: megakaryocytes; PFA: paraformaldehyde; PBS: phosphate-buffered saline; PLA: proximity ligation assay; pRT-PCR: quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction; RT: room temperature; SQSTM1/p62: sequestosome 1; SDS-PAGE: sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis; TLR4: toll like receptor 4; TEM: transmission electron microscopy; WGA: wheat germ agglutinin.

Analytical characterization of the role of phospholipids in platelet adhesion and secretion.

The cellular phospholipid membrane plays an important role in cell function and cell–cell communication, but its biocomplexity and dynamic nature presents a challenge for examining cellular uptake of phospholipids and the resultant effects on cell function. Platelets, small anuclear circulating cell bodies that influence a wide variety of physiological functions through their dynamic secretory and adhesion behavior, present an ideal platform for exploring the effects of exogenous phospholipids on membrane phospholipid content and cell function. In this work, a broad range of platelet functions are quantitatively assessed by leveraging a variety of analytical chemistry techniques, including ultraperformance liquid chromatography–tandem electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS), vasculature-mimicking microfluidic analysis, and single cell carbon-fiber microelectrode amperometry (CFMA). The relative enrichments of phosphatidylserine (PS) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) were characterized with UPLC–MS/MS, and the effects of the enrichment of these two phospholipids on both platelet secretory behavior and adhesion were examined. Results show that, in fact, both PS and PE influence platelet adhesion and secretion. PS was enriched dramatically and decreased platelet adhesion as well as secretion from δ-, α-, and lysosomal granules. PE enrichment was moderate and increased secretion from platelet lysosomes. These insights illuminate the critical connection between membrane phospholipid character and platelet behavior, and both the methods and results presented herein are likely translatable to other mammalian cell systems.

Loss of PIKfyve in platelets causes a lysosomal disease leading to inflammation and thrombosis in mice

PIKfyve is essential for the synthesis of phosphatidylinositol-3,5-bisphosphate [PtdIns(3,5)P2] and for the regulation of endolysosomal membrane dynamics in mammals. PtdIns(3,5)P2 deficiency causes neurodegeneration in mice and humans, but the role of PtdIns(3,5)P2 in non-neural tissues is poorly understood. Here we show that platelet-specific ablation of PIKfyve in mice leads to accelerated arterial thrombosis, and, unexpectedly, also to inappropriate inflammatory responses characterized by macrophage accumulation in multiple tissues. These multiorgan defects are attenuated by platelet depletion in vivo, confirming that they reflect a platelet-specific process. PIKfyve ablation in platelets induces defective maturation and excessive storage of lysosomal enzymes that are released upon platelet activation. Impairing lysosome secretion from PIKfyve-null platelets in vivo markedly attenuates the multiorgan defects, suggesting that platelet lysosome secretion contributes to pathogenesis. Our findings identify PIKfyve as an essential regulator for platelet lysosome homeostasis, and demonstrate the contributions of platelet lysosomes to inflammation, arterial thrombosis and macrophage biology.

Pikfyve Deletion In Platelets Causes Aberrant Platelet Lysosomal Storage Associated With Inappropriate Inflammatory Response

Platelets release different types of secretory granules into their local environment, and this allows them to contribute to a variety of physiologic processes. These platelet granules include alpha granules, dense granules, and lysosomes, which all derive from the endosomal-lysosomal system. However, the mechanism of the biogenesis of each type of granule is not completely understood.Phosphatidylinositol-3,5-bisphosphate [PtdIns(3,5)P2] is a membrane phosphoinositide that is essential for the regulation of membrane homeostasis, as well as for vesicle trafficking and cargo transport along the endolysosomal system in mammals. PtdIns(3,5)P2 is synthesized on endosomes by the lipid kinase PIKfyve. Given the role of PIKfyve-mediated PtdIns(3,5)P2 production in the endolysosomal pathway in other mammalian cells, we hypothesized that PtdIns(3,5)P2 was an essential regulator for the biogenesis of granules within platelets.To analyze the contribution of PtdIns(3,5)P2 to platelet granule biogenesis, we generated mice lacking PIKfyve kinase activity specifically in their platelets and in their megakaryocytes (PIKfyveflox/flox Pf4-Cre). We found that when compared with the control mice, PIKfyveflox/flox Pf4-Cre mice contained higher levels of the lysosomal enzyme, β-hexosaminidase, within their platelets and within their plasma. The PIKfyve-ablated platelets also released excessive β-hexosaminidase ex vivo upon stimulation with ADP, collagen or thrombin. However, the percentage of the total cellular β-hexosaminidase that was released from the PIKfyve-ablated platelets was comparable with that of control platelets. This suggests that the increased release of β-hexosaminidase from the PIKfyve-ablated platelets is due to the excessive storage of this enzyme within these platelets and not because of increased efficiency of lysosome secretion. In addition, we observed that PIKfyve-ablated platelets expressed increased amounts of Lysosomal Associated Membrane Protein 1 (LAMP-1), a marker of late endosomes and lysosomes. However, PIKfyve-ablated platelets expressed normal amounts of Early Endosome Antigen 1 (EEA-1), a marker of early endosomes. These results suggest that PIKfyve is critical for a component of platelet lysosome biology that occurs after the maturation of early endosomes. Together, these data demonstrate that PIKfyve is essential for the homeostasis of the endolysosomal system in platelets. Notably, the generation and secretion of the alpha granule components were intact in the PIKFyve-ablated platelets. This was shown by the normal expression of von Willebrand factor, platelet basic protein, and platelet factor 4. Likewise, secretion of ATP stored in the dense granules was similar between the PIKfyveflox/flox Pf4-Cre mice and their control littermates. Together, these results suggest that PIKfyve plays an essential regulatory role along the endolysosomal pathway in platelets, and the loss of PIKfyve in platelets can lead to an abnormality of lysosomal storage.Unexpectedly, we also found that the loss of PIKfyve exclusively within platelets triggers an inappropriate inflammatory response. This is shown by the massive tissue infiltration of aberrant vacuolated macrophages. In turn, this leads to multiple organ defects that impair development, body mass, and survival in mice. Moreover, mice lacking PIKfyve within their platelets developed accelerated arterial thrombosis in vivo, despite having normal platelet aggregation ex vivo. It is also remarkable that mice lacking PIKfyve in their platelets attenuated their organ defects when the secretion of their platelet lysosomes were inhibited in vivo.Collectively, our study demonstrates that PIKfyve is an essential regulator of platelet lysosome biogenesis. This study also highlights the previously unrecognized and important contributions of platelet lysosomal storage to inflammation, arterial thrombosis, and macrophage biology. Disclosures:No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Loss of PIKFyve Kinase Function Driven by Platelet Factor 4 Promoter Results in Platelet Lysosomal Storage Defects and Infiltration of Multiple Organs with Vacuolated Macrophages

Abstract 697Phosphatidylinositol kinases are crucial in the generation of diverse membrane phosphoinositides that regulate the intracellular signaling for essential cellular processes including membrane trafficking. PIKFyve is a kinase that generates phosphatidylinostol 3,5 bisphosphate (PtdIns(3,5)P2) from PtdIns(3)P. Yeast mutants lacking the PIKFyve homologue were unable to synthesize PtdIns(3,5)P2 and exhibited enlarged vacuoles, defective membrane recycling and abnormal protein sorting to multivesicular bodies. In human platelets, PtdIns(3,5)P2 synthesis increased following thrombin stimulation, and our data indicated that murine platelets express PIKFyve mRNA. We hypothesized that PIKFyve and its phospholipid product, PtdIns(3,5)P2 would be critical in the membrane trafficking during the biogenesis of platelet granules. To test this hypothesis, we engineered mice to lack PIKFyve specifically within their platelets and megakaryocytes. The resulting PIKFyvefl/fl mice contained a conditional targeting mutation within two exons encoding for a critical component of its kinase domain. The conditionally targeted mice were crossed with transgenic mice expressing Cre recombinase under the control of platelet factor 4 (PF4) promoter. As expected, RT-PCR analysis confirmed a complete loss of normal PIKFyve mRNA in platelets derived from PIKFyvefl/fl PF4 Cre+ mice. Surprisingly, by 3 weeks of age, PIKFyvefl/fl PF4 Cre+ mice started to display a robust pleomorphic phenotype characterized by dorsal hair loss and progressive weight gain due to generalized body swelling. By 5–6 months of age, the body weight of the PIKFyvefl/fl PF4 Cre+ mice was about 30% higher than that of the control littermate mice (PIKFyvefl/fl PF4 Cre- or PIKFyvefl/+ PF4 Cre+) and appeared acutely ill with decreased ambulation and feeding. A DEXA scan revealed that PIKFyvefl/fl PF4 Cre+ mice had approximately 50% lower body fat content compared to their control littermates. Necropsy of PIKFyvefl/fl PF4 Cre+ mice at about 6 months of age demonstrated that their weight gain was due to massive infiltration of largely vacuolated F4/80 expressing macrophages in multiple organs including skin, muscle, lung, heart, liver, pancreas, small and large intestines, kidney, genital organs, thymus and bone marrow. The vacuoles within these macrophages occupied the entire cytoplasm and were reminiscent of PIKFyve null yeast mutant cells. Unexpectedly, PCR analysis of genomic DNA from tissues infiltrated by these vacuolated macrophages revealed that PIKFyve deletion had occurred within these cells. This indicated that the PF4 Cre was expressed in these macrophages and led to targeting of PIKFyve and ultimately to the development of vacuolated macrophages that infiltrated multiple organs. Despite the pleomorphic phenotype, the platelet counts of the PIKFyvefl/fl PF4 Cre+ mice were normal. Furthermore, platelets lacking PIKFyve normally exposed P-selectin from alpha granules and released ATP from dense granules in response to agonist stimulation. Nevertheless, the PIKFyvefl/fl PF4 Cre+ platelets exhibited a three-fold increase of basal b-hexosaminidase, a lysosomal hydrolase. This data suggests a role for PIKFyve in the biogenesis of platelet lysosomes. Furthermore, in vivo platelet thrombus formation analysis using the ferric chloride induced carotid artery injury model revealed that PIKFyvefl/fl PF4 Cre+ mice made an occluding thrombus significantly faster than the control littermate mice demonstrating that they are prothrombotic. Histological analysis of the carotid artery specimen at the site of thrombus demonstrated that the intravascular side did not contain vacuolated macrophages. This suggests that the enhanced thrombosis formation was due to the increased lysosomal content within the platelets, and not due to infiltration by abnormal macrophages. We conclude that PF4 promoter driven selective deletion of PIKFyve kinase is associated with defective biogenesis of platelet lysosomes and a prothrombotic effect in vivo. Furthermore, PIKFyvefl/fl PF4 Cre+ mice display a pleomorphic phenotype associated with vacuolated macrophage accumulation in multiple organs and suggest that PF4 promoter driven Cre expression is not restricted to megakaryocytes and platelets. This study also highlights a potential problem in previous and current work using the PF4 Cre transgenic model. Disclosures:No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Platelets and Cardiac Arrhythmia

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) remains one of the most prevalent modes of death in industrialized countries, and myocardial ischemia due to thrombotic coronary occlusion is its primary cause. The role of platelets in the occurrence of SCD extends beyond coronary flow impairment by clot formation. Here we review the substances released by platelets during clot formation and their arrhythmic properties. Platelet products are released from three types of platelet granules: dense core granules, alpha-granules, and platelet lysosomes. The physiologic properties of dense granule products are of special interest as a potential source of arrhythmic substances. They are released readily upon activation and contain high concentrations of serotonin, histamine, purines, pyrimidines, and ions such as calcium and magnesium. Potential arrhythmic mechanisms of these substances, e.g., serotonin and high energy phosphates, include induction of coronary constriction, calcium overloading, and induction of delayed after-depolarizations. Alpha-granules produce thromboxanes and other arachidonic-acid products with many potential arrhythmic effects mediated by interference with cardiac sodium, calcium, and potassium channels. Alpha-granules also contain hundreds of proteins that could potentially serve as ligands to receptors on cardiomyocytes. Lysosomal products probably do not have an important arrhythmic effect. Platelet products and ischemia can induce coronary permeability, thereby enhancing interaction with surrounding cardiomyocytes. Antiplatelet therapy is known to improve survival after myocardial infarction. Although an important part of this effect results from prevention of coronary clot formation, there is evidence to suggest that antiplatelet therapy also induces anti-arrhythmic effects during ischemia by preventing the release of platelet activation products.

Giant electron dense chains, clusters and granules in megakaryocytes and platelets with normal dense bodies: an inherited thrombocytopenic disorder IV. Ultrastructural cytochemistry and analytical electron microscopy

Platelets from a mother and son with prolonged thrombocytopenia were shown in previous studies to contain giant organelles that developed in megakaryocytes and continued to evolve in circulating cells. Whole mount platelet preparations revealed that the large organelles were electron opaque like the serotonin-rich dense bodies in normal and patient platelets, and analytical electron microscopy revealed they contained large amounts of calcium and phosphorous in a ratio close to that found in normal platelet dense bodies. However, differences in physiology, biochemistry and morphology indicated the large opaque bodies and target-organelles in patient platelets were not aberrant dense bodies. The present study has shown that the giant organelles contain peroxidase activity like primary lysosomes in polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocytes. Further, the giant organelles in patient platelets contain acid phosphatase activity. Analytical electron microscopy demonstrated that cerium, the capture ion for the acid phosphatase reaction product, was present in the opaque organelles with calcium and phosphorous, but not present in their normal dense bodies. Since normal sized lysosomes appeared to be reduced in patient platelets, it was concluded that the large structures were abnormal lysosomes, or fused with normal platelet lysosomes during their development. Similar giant lysosomes were not present in other patient blood cells. As a result the disorder can be considered a unique lysosomal disease of platelets.

The gene for lysosomal protein CD63 is normal in patients with Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome.

Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome (HPS) is one of the few genetic disorders associated with severe pulmonary fibrosis. Fifty percent of affected patients die as a result of respiratory insufficiency. Fibrosis is thought to be caused by the accumulation of ceroid, an insoluble fluorescent lipoprotein, both extracellularly and in the lysosomes of alveolar macrophages. In addition to pulmonary fibrosis, HPS is characterized by oculocutaneous albinism and a reduction in the number of platelet dense bodies. CD63 is a protein that was described originally in platelet lysosomes. It localizes to the membranes of melanosomes and platelet dense bodies. CD63 is decreased dramatically in the lysosomes and dense bodies of patients with HPS. We theorized that CD63, a membrane protein common to lysosomes, melanosomes, and platelet dense bodies, may play a role in HPS. We sought to characterize the gene coding for this protein in HPS lymphoid cell lines. The coding region for CD63 was sequenced in control and HPS cell lines. Messenger RNA from HPS and normal cell lines was examined by Northern analysis. Genomic DNA from the same cell lines was examined by Southern analysis and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). CD63 protein in lymphoid cell lines and peripheral blood monocytes was compared by Western analysis. We found no mutations in the coding region of CD63 in an HPS cell line. We also found no diminution in the quantity of CD63 RNA by Northern analysis and no gross defects in the structural gene by PCR and Southern analysis, suggesting that the CD63 structural gene, promoter, and untranslated regions were normal. Western analysis showed that the 43-kDa protein was present in control and HPS lymphoid cell lines and peripheral blood monocytes in equivalent amounts. Although CD63 is an attractive candidate for the primary defect of HPS, the disease is probably not caused by a mutation in the CD63 gene.

Demonstration of Secondary Lysosomes in Bovine Megakaryocytes and Platelets Using Acid Phosphatase Cytochemistry with Cerium as a Trapping Agent

The ultrastructure of lysosomes from bovine megakaryocytes (MK) and platelets was characterized using acid phosphatase cytochemistry with beta-glycerophosphate as substrate and cerium as a trapping agent. The technique was easily reproducible; cerium-phosphate precipitates were uniform, readily visualized, and there was a virtual absence of nonspecific reaction product. Acid phosphatase was localized in the trans aspect of the Golgi complex and/or granules of less than 50 nm to 650 nm diameters in MK at all stages of maturation. Forty percent of the MK lysosomes contained inclusions of variable shapes, sizes and electron-density and were classified as secondary lysosomes. Twenty-four percent of the platelet sections contained acid phosphatase-positive granules. Fifty-four percent of these were secondary lysosomes. This is the initial report demonstrating secondary lysosomes in either resting MK or platelets using acid phosphatase cytochemistry. These findings suggest that MK and platelet lysosomes have an intracellular function in resting MK and platelets.

Detection of platelet activation with monoclonal antibodies and flow cytometry. Changes during platelet storage

To investigate whether changes in platelet condition during platelet storage correlate with an altered expression of platelet membrane proteins, the binding of monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) to fresh platelets was compared with MoAbs' binding to thrombin-activated platelets and to platelets stored as platelet concentrates. The MoAbs included antibodies against the platelet glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa complex and against two activation-dependent antigens, one of which was a component of the internal platelet alpha-granule membrane (GMP 140) and the other of which was a 53-kD protein derived from platelet lysosomes. The binding of MoAbs to platelets fixed with 1 percent paraformaldehyde was measured by flow cytometry. In thrombin-activated platelets, a threefold increase was found in the expression of GP IIb/IIIa over that in fresh platelets. The binding of the activation-dependent MoAbs increased from 2 to 3 percent to 70 to 80 percent of the platelets. Storage of platelet concentrates for 5 days resulted in a 60 percent increase in GP IIb/IIIa expression compared to Day 0 and increased binding of the MoAbs directed against GMP-140 from 3 to 16 percent and against the 53-kD protein from 2 to 8 percent of the platelets, respectively. These changes correlated with modifications in platelet morphology (decrease in swirling), leakage of lactate dehydrogenase, and release of beta-thromboglobulin. These data indicate that platelets become activated and are damaged during the storage of platelet concentrates.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Primary and Secondary Lysosomes in Megakaryocytes and Platelets from Cattle with the Chediak-Higashi Syndrome

The ultrastructure of lysosomes from megakaryocytes (MK) and platelets of cattle with the Chediak-Higashi syndrome (CHS) was characterized using acid phosphatase histochemistry with beta-glycerophosphate as substrate and cerium as a capturing agent. Acid phosphatase was localized in the trans aspect of the Golgi complex and/or granules in MK at all stages of maturation. Morphometric analysis of the diameter of each lysosome was performed on MK from CHS cattle and compared to MK from normal cattle. Lysosomes in CHS MK were neither enlarged nor different with respect to classification as secondary lysosomes, which composed 35% of the lysosomes in CHS MK. Lysosomes were demonstrated in 22% of the CHS platelet sections and appeared similar to those from normal cattle, 56% of them being classified as secondary lysosomes. Why lysosomes are not enlarged in bovine CHS MK and platelets, whereas they are enlarged in most other cell types, remains unknown.

Immuno-Electron Microscopical Demonstration of Lysosomes in Human Blood Platelets and Megakaryocytes Using Anti-Cathepsin D

Immunocytochemistry with affinity-purified anti-human cathepsin D was applied to ultrathin frozen sections of human bone marrow megakaryocytes and of blood platelets from peripheral blood. The fixative used was paraformaldehyde (concentration gradient 2----8%). Protein A/colloidal gold (5 and 8) particles were used as second label. Cathepsin D was localized in primary and secondary lysosomes in blood platelets and in primary and secondary lysosomes in megakaryocytes. Primary lysosomes in megakaryocytes were identified by their localization on the trans-side of the Golgi complex and secondary lysosomes by the presence of inclusions. The lysosomes in platelets differed from alpha-granules by being smaller, lacking an electron dense core, and by the presence of a transparent submembrane halo. Platelets undergoing a release reaction after stimulation with thrombin showed cathepsin-D staining in the surface-connecting tubules.

Immuno-electron microscopical demonstration of lysosomes in human blood platelets and megakaryocytes using anti-cathepsin D

Immunocytochemistry with affinity-purified anti-human cathepsin D was applied to ultrathin frozen sections of human bone marrow megakaryocytes and of blood platelets from peripheral blood. The fixative used was paraformaldehyde (concentration gradient 2----8%). Protein A/colloidal gold (5 and 8) particles were used as second label. Cathepsin D was localized in primary and secondary lysosomes in blood platelets and in primary and secondary lysosomes in megakaryocytes. Primary lysosomes in megakaryocytes were identified by their localization on the trans-side of the Golgi complex and secondary lysosomes by the presence of inclusions. The lysosomes in platelets differed from alpha-granules by being smaller, lacking an electron dense core, and by the presence of a transparent submembrane halo. Platelets undergoing a release reaction after stimulation with thrombin showed cathepsin-D staining in the surface-connecting tubules.

Purification and properties of human platelet heparitinase.

An endoglycosidase which cleaves heparin and heparan sulfate was isolated from outdated human platelets by freeze-thaw solubilization, heparin-Sepharose chromatography, DEAE-cellulose chromatography, hydroxylapatite chromatography, octyl-agarose chromatography, concanavalin A-Sepharose chromatography, and Sephacryl S-200 gel filtration. The overall extent of purification of the platelet heparitinase is about 240,000-fold and the overall yield of the enzyme is about 5.6% as compared to the initial freeze-thaw solubilization preparation. The final product is physically homogeneous as judged by disc gel electrophoresis at acidic pH as well as gel filtration chromatography and exhibits an apparent molecular weight of approximately 134,000. Furthermore, our results indicate that the above enzyme is present within platelet lysosomes. The biologic potency of the endoglycosidase was examined as a function of pH. The data show that the platelet heparitinase is maximally active from pH 5.5 to pH 7.5. However, the enzyme possesses minimal ability to cleave heparin at pH less than 4.0 or greater than 9.0. The substrate specificity of the platelet endoglycosidase was determined by identifying susceptible linkages within the heparin molecule that can be cleaved by the above component. Our studies indicate that this enzyme is only able to hydrolyze glucuronsylglucosamine linkages. Furthermore, investigation of the structure of the disaccharide which lies on the nonreducing end of the cleaved glucuronic acid residue suggests that N-sulfation of the glucosamine moiety or ester sulfation of the adjacent iduronic acid groups are not essential for bond scission.

Identification of primary lysosomes in human megakaryocytes and platelets

The presence of lysosomal enzymes in human platelets is well documented; the identity of the “lysosome,” however, has been the subject of some disagreement. In order to determine the time of appearance and subcellular localization of two lysosomal enzymes in megakaryocytes (MK) and platelets, we examined normal human bone marrow and blood by electron microscopy and cytochemistry. Acid phosphatase (AcPase) was present in the Golgi region in the youngest recognizable MK, as well as in those with a considerable degree of cytoplasmic maturation. Heavy reaction product was usually confined to one or two Golgi-associated cisternae and coated vesicles; other Golgi cisternae were sometimes lightly reactive. In mature MK, reaction product was limited to vesicles of variable size, but smaller than alpha-granules. Another lysosomal enzyme, arylsulfatase (AS), was localized in similar small vesicles in MK of all stages; it could not be demonstrated in the Golgi complex. Vesicles containing AS were also found in about 25% of platelet profiles, whereas vesicles containing AcPase were found in only about 15% of platelet profiles. The alpha-granules of all MK and platelets examined were negative for both enzymes. We conclude that the enzyme-containing vesicles in these cells constitute the lysosomes and that they are distinct from other platelet organelles. Since there was no evidence that they had participated in any digestive event, we believe that they are primary lysosomes, whose contents are secreted during platelet aggregation and the release reaction.

Identification of Primary Lysosomes in Human Megakaryocytes and Platelets

AbstractThe presence of lysosomal enzymes in human platelets is well documented; the identity of the “lysosome,” however, has been the subject of some disagreement. In order to determine the time of appearance and subcellular localization of two lysosomal enzymes in megakaryocytes (MK) and platelets, we examined normal human bone marrow and blood by electron microscopy and cytochemistry. Acid phosphatase (AcPase) was present in the Golgi region in the youngest recognizable MK, as well as in those with a considerable degree of cytoplasmic maturation. Heavy reaction product was usually confined to one or two Golgi-associated cisternae and coated vesicles; other Golgi cisternae were sometimes lightly reactive. In mature MK, reaction product was limited to vesicles of variable size, but smaller than α-granules. Another lysosomal enzyme, arylsulfatase (AS), was localized in similar small vesicles in MK of all stages; it could not be demonstrated in the Golgi complex. Vesicles containing AS were also found in about 25% of platelet profiles, whereas vesicles containing AcPase were found in only about 15% of platelet profiles. The α-granules of all MK and platelets examined were negative for both enzymes. We conclude that the enzyme-containing vesicles in these cells constitute the lysosomes and that they are distinct from other platelet organelles. Since there was no evidence that they had participated in any digestive event, we believe that they are primary lysosomes, whose contents are secreted during platelet aggregation and the release reaction.

Mepacrine stains the dense bodies of human platelets and not platelet lysosomes.

Summary. Mepacrine, used as a vital stain, accumulates in the lysosomes of most cells. In platelets, however, it does not stain the lysosomes but is a specific marker for dense bodies.

Giant platelet granules in a child with the chediak‐higashi syndrome

Previous ultrastructural investigation have not identified abnormal lysosomes in platelets obtained from humans or animals with the Chediak-Higashi Syndrome. We report here a patient whose megakaryocytes and platelets were found to contain giant granules when viewed by light and electron microscopy. The granules measured up to 1.5 micrometer in diameter, contained either homogeneous or heterogeneous material, were acid phosphatase positive, and were present in approximately 30% of bone marrow megakaryocytes and 5% of circulating platelets. A decrease was observed in serotonin containing dense granules, serotonin uptake and serotonin release as reported previously. Microtubules in platelets and megakaryocytes were intact and no other morphologic abnormalities were identified. No clinical evidence of bleeding was observed in this patient and platelet counts have been normal. The lack of giant platelet lysosomes in other reported cases of Chediak-Higashi Syndrome attests to significant heterogeneity in this disease with a spectrum of clinical and laboratory findings.

Distribution pattern of several enzymes of platelets under normal and leukemic conditions.

Intracellular distribution of certain enzymes such as acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, β-glucuronidase, and succinate dehydrogenase in isolated normal and leukemic platelets has been determined. Platelet alkaline phosphatase activity in any fraction studied is not changed under leukemic conditions. Increase of acid phosphatase and β-glucuronidase and decrease of succinate dehydrogenase activities are observed in the leukemic platelet homogenate and in other fractions. Specific activities of lysosomal enzymes are decreased in lysosome free supernatant fraction under leukemic conditions. It is noted that normal platelet lysosomes are more labile than leukemic platelet lysosomes. The controlling system of the enzyme activities in platelets differs from that of the leukocytes under conditions of leukemia.

Subcellular Particles of Human Platelets

ABSTRACTHuman platelet subcellular particles have been fractionated by three methods. The isolated fractions have been examined by electron microscopy and assayed for protein, serotonin, lactate dehydrogenase, cytochrome c oxidase, β‐hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase, 5′‐nucleotidase, acid phosphatase, β‐glucu‐ronidase, β‐galactosidase, β‐N‐acetylgluco‐saminidase, cathepsin, aryl sulphatase and a‐mannosidase. The latter two enzymes had low activities. Homogenization with blendor caused great solubilization of serotonin and lysosomal enzymes but not cytochrome c oxidase. The granules in the homogenate were swollen and showed great loss of osmo‐philia. The particles were isolated by differential centrifugation and separated into 3 zones after centrifugation on discontinuous sucrose gradients. The upper zone contained proteinaceous material, the second contained mostly vesicular membranes and the lowest one contained α‐granules, transected pseudo‐pods plus mitochondria with varying degrees of preservation. Acid phosphatase was present in the membranes but the highest activity was found in the upper part of the granular band together with β‐galactosidase. β‐Glucuronidase, β‐N‐acetylglucosaminidase and cathepsin were mainly located in the lower part of this band. Homogenization with a ‘no‐clearance’ Teflon pestle caused less solubilization than the blendor and gave better organelle preservation. Isolated particles from such homogenates separated into two bands on gradient centrifugation which morphologically and biochemically were equal to those obtained when these homogenates were applied directly on the gradient. The upper particulate band contained membranes and had bound 5′‐nucleotidase. The lower band possessed in its upper part well‐preserved α‐granules and mitochondria whereas in the lower regions more electron dense granules, often with ‘Bull's eye’, were present. Swollen α‐granules were present mainly in the lower part of this band. All lysosomal enzymes were localized at the same sucrose density. Probably, the α‐gra‐nules are the platelet lysosomes, but with pestle homogenization there was not the biochemical heterogenity as found when using the blendor. With pestle homogenization particle bound serotonin was found in fractions of high sucrose density which contained the dense α‐granules with the ‘Bull's eye’.