Specific Fibrinogen Binding Research Articles

Impaired Platelet Responses to Thromboxane a2 and Thrombin in Mice Lacking Receptor-Interacting Protein Kinase 3

Objective: Receptor-interacting protein 3 (RIP3) is a member of RIP family with a Ser/Thr protein kinase domain in its amino-terminus which is essential for kinase activity and autophosphorylation. The roles of RIP3 in embryonic development and different disease pathologies, such as inflammation and infections, have been reported in recent years. However, the role of RIP3 in thrombosis and hemostasis remains unknown.Methods: Hematologic analysis was performed and tail bleeding time was monitored. Mouse platelets were isolated from anti-coagulated whole blood. Platelet aggregation and secretion were recorded at real time. Platelet P-selectin exposure and specific fibrinogen binding were detected by flow cytometry. TXA2 generation was measured with enzyme immunoassay (EIA) kit. Protein phosphorylations were detected by western blotting.Result: RIP3-/- mice had tail-bleeding times that were significantly prolonged compared with their wild type littermates. In an in vivo model of mesenteric arteriole thrombosis, mice lacking RIP3 exhibited delayed thrombus formation, fewer accumulated platelets, smaller thrombi, and prolonged occlusion times. RIP3 was expressed in both human and mouse platelets. Deletion of RIP3 in mouse platelets caused a marked defect in aggregation and attenuated dense granule secretion in response to low doses of thrombin or a thromboxane A2 (TXA2) analogue, U46619. The defect in ADP secretion appears responsible for the impaired platelet aggregation, because addition of exogenous ADP rescued the reduced platelet aggregation. Although TXA2 generation and α-granule secretion were not impaired, integrin αIIbβ3 activation was attenuated in RIP3-/- platelets. Moreover, phosphorylation of Akt induced by U46619 or thrombin was markedly reduced in the absence of RIP3. Activation of Akt signaling restored the impaired aggregation of RIP3-/- platelets. ERK and p38 phosphorylation elicited by either U46619 or thrombin was attenuated in RIP3-/- platelets. In contrast, U46619- and thrombin-induced activation of PTEN, PDK1, or Src was not impaired in RIP3-/- platelets.Conclusion: Our data demonstrate a novel role for RIP3 in amplifying U46619- and thrombin-induced platelet activation by mediating Akt-dependent ADP secretion, and in supporting hemostasis and thrombus formation in vivo. RIP3 may represent a novel target to modulate PARs and TP signaling and a potential new target for antithrombotic strategy. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Identification of Interacting Hot Spots in the β3 Integrin Stalk Using Comprehensive Interface Design

Protein-protein interfaces are usually large and complementary surfaces, but specific side chains, representing energetic "hot spots," often contribute disproportionately to binding free energy. We used a computational method, comprehensive interface design, to identify hot spots in the interface between the stalk regions of the β3 and the complementary αIIb and αv integrin subunits. Using the Rosetta alanine-scanning and design algorithms to predict destabilizing, stabilizing, and neutral mutations in the β3 region extending from residues Lys(532) through Gly(690), we predicted eight alanine mutations that would destabilize the αIIbβ3 interface as well as nine predicted to destabilize the αvβ3 interface, by at least 0.3 kcal/mol. The mutations were widely and unevenly distributed, with four between residues 552 and 563 and five between 590 and 610, but none between 565 and 589, and 611 and 655. Further, mutations destabilizing the αvβ3 and αIIbβ3 interfaces were not identical. The predictions were then tested by introducing selected mutations into the full-length integrins expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells. Five mutations predicted to destabilize αIIb and β3 caused fibrinogen binding to αIIbβ3, whereas three of four predicted to be neutral or stabilizing did not. Conversely, a mutation predicted to destabilize αvβ3, but not αIIbβ3 (D552A), caused osteopontin binding to αvβ3, but not fibrinogen binding to αIIbβ3. These results indicate that stability of the distal stalk interface is involved in constraining integrins in stable, inactive conformations. Further, they demonstrate the ability of comprehensive interface design to identify functionally significant integrin mutations.

Both Complement- and Fibrinogen-Dependent Mechanisms Contribute to Platelet Aggregation Mediated by Staphylococcus aureus Clumping Factor B

Staphylococcus aureus can stimulate activation and aggregation of platelets, which are thought to be factors in the development of infective endocarditis. Previous studies have identified clumping factor A (ClfA) and fibronectin binding proteins A and B (FnBPA and FnBPB) as potent platelet aggregators. These proteins are able to stimulate rapid platelet aggregation by either a fibrinogen- or a fibronectin-dependent process which also requires antibodies specific to each protein. Slower aggregation has been seen in other systems where specific fibrinogen binding ligands are absent and platelet aggregation is mediated by complement and specific antibodies. Bacteria expressing ClfB aggregate platelets with a longer lag time than ClfA or FnBPA and FnBPB. In order to investigate whether ClfB causes platelet aggregation in a complement- or fibrinogen-dependent manner, a non-fibrinogen-binding mutant of ClfB (ClfB Q235A) was constructed. Lactococcus lactis expressing ClfB Q235A was able to stimulate platelet aggregation in platelet-rich plasma without a significant increase in lag time. The requirements for platelet aggregation were investigated using gel-filtered platelets. Fibrinogen and specific anti-ClfB antibodies were found to be sufficient to allow platelet aggregation mediated by the wild-type ClfB protein. It seems that ClfB causes platelet aggregation by a fibrinogen-dependent mechanism. The non-fibrinogen-binding ClfB mutant was unable to stimulate platelet aggregation under these conditions. However, bacteria expressing ClfB Q235A caused platelet aggregation in a complement-dependent manner which required specific anti-ClfB antibodies.

Involvement of fibrinogen specific binding in erythrocyte aggregation

Increased fibrinogen concentration and erythrocyte aggregation are significant risk factors during various cardiovascular diseases and cerebrovascular disorders. Currently, fibrinogen-induced erythrocyte aggregation is thought to be caused by a non-specific binding mechanism. However, the published data on changes in erythrocyte aggregation during hypertension point to the possible existence of other mechanism(s). Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that specific binding of fibrinogen is involved in erythrocyte aggregation. It was found that Oregon Green 488-labeled human fibrinogen specifically binds rat erythrocyte membranes with a K d of 1.3 μM. Further experiments showed that the peptide Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser blocked both fibrinogen-induced aggregation of intact erythrocytes and specific binding of fibrinogen to the erythrocyte membranes. These results suggest that in addition to non-specific binding, a specific binding mechanism is also involved in fibrinogen-induced erythrocyte aggregation.

Affinity purification of fibrinogen using a ligand from a peptide library.

An affinity resin containing the peptide ligand Phe-Leu-Leu-Val-Pro-Leu (FLLVPL) has been developed for the purification of fibrinogen. The ligand was identified by screening a solid-phase combinatorial peptide library using an immunostaining technique. The specific binding of fibrinogen to the ligand has been characterized by isothermal calorimetry and adsorption isotherms and is dominated by both hydrophobic interactions and ionic interactions with the N-terminal free amino group. The effective association constant of fibrinogen was substantially higher when the peptide was immobilized on the resin than in solution; moreover, it increased with increasing peptide density, suggesting a cooperative binding effect. A low ionic strength buffer at pH 4 was used successfully to elute adsorbed fibrinogen from the column with high purity, retention of factor XIII crosslinking activity, and minimal, if any, loss of biological function. This general approach to ligand selection and characterization can be used to develop peptide ligands for the affinity purification of diverse proteins on a large scale.

Reversible Exposure of Human Platelet Fibrinogen Receptors by Antiplatelet Tetraspanin Monoclonal Antibodies via Induction of a Conformational Change in Membrane Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Complex

Antihuman platelet tetraspanin (CD9 antigen) monoclonal antibodies, HI117 and SJ9A4, can induce human platelet aggregation and secretion. As platelet aggregation is mediated by fibrinogen binding to its receptors exposed on platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa complex, we, therefore, investigated the induction of platelet fibrinogen receptors by HI117 and SJ9A4. It was found that HI117 and SJ9A4 induced specific fibrinogen binding to human platelets, suggesting that the two monoclonal antibodies evoked obvious exposure of fibrinogen receptors on human platelets. But in the absence of fibrinogen, the monoclonal antibody-exposed fibrinogen receptors gradually lost their capacity to bind fibrinogen and closed. Our results also showed that HI117 and SJ9A4, when activating platelets, caused a conformational change in glycoprotein IIb/IIIa complex, which must contribute to the exposure of functional fibrinogen receptors on this integrin. The effect of HI117 and SJ9A4 on glycoprotein IIb/IIIa complex seems, however, to be indirect, because the HI117 and SJ9A4-induced fibrinogen binding was reduced by pretreatment of platelets with sphingosine, aspirin, apyrase, and/or PGI2. Taken together, we conclude that the antihuman platelet tetraspanin monoclonal antibodies, HI117 and SJ9A4, reversibly expose platelet fibrinogen receptors via inducing a conformational change in glycoprotein IIb/IIIa complex. Three signaling pathways, that is, thromboxane, secreted ADP, and cAMP pathways may be involved in this process, while protein kinase C activation seems to be the final common step of the three pathways.

Integrin alphaIIb beta3 reconstituted into lipid bilayers is nonclustered in its activated state but clusters after fibrinogen binding.

Integrin activation, ligand binding, and integrin clustering were analyzed using alphaIIb beta3 reconstituted into phospholipid vesicles and into supported planar lipid bilayers. Strong and specific binding of fibrinogen and the gamma-chain dodecapeptide of fibrinogen to alphaIIb beta3 indicated that the integrin is in an activated state after membrane reconstitution. Cryoelectron and fluorescence microscopy suggested a nonclustered state of the protein in the vesicle membrane. Supported planar lipid membranes were generated by fusion of vesicles in which approximately equal fractions of integrins were pointing inside-out and outside-in. This distribution led to an immobilization of about 40% of the integrin in supported bilayers due to attachment of the large extracellular domains to the quartz support. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching indicated a diffusion coefficient of D = (0.70 +/- 0.06) x 10(-8) cm2/s, consistent with a nonclustered state of the mobile integrin. Upon fibrinogen binding, the integrins became immobile, and fluorescence micrographs showed a patchy distribution of fibrinogen-integrin complexes consisting of approximately 250 molecules. In addition to the expected dimer formation by bivalent fibrinogen, additionally induced fibrinogen clustering may account for the large size of the complexes. In contrast, binding of monovalent GRGDS pentapeptide or the gamma-chain dodecapeptide of fibrinogen altered neither the mobile fraction nor the association state of alphaIIb beta3. Our data indicate that integrin alphaIIbb3 is activated while monodisperse, and became clustered upon fibrinogen binding, leading to an irreversibly bound state.

Fibrinogen Promotes Adhesion of Monocytic to Human Mesothelioma Cells

Adhesion between monocytic and mesothelioma or pleural mesothelial cells influences stromal remodeling in pleural neoplasia. We found that cultured monocytic cells (U937) adhere to either human pleural mesothelioma (MS-1) or mesothelial (MeT5A) cells in vitro. 125I-fibrinogen bound specifically and saturably to either cell line, and specific fibrinogen binding increased upon stimulation of these cells with proinflammatory agents such as phorbol myristate (PMA), lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha). We purified the fibrinogen receptor protein from a membrane fraction of MS-1 cells and identified it by immunoprecipitation as intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1). Anti-ICAM-1 antibody or antisense oligonucleotides inhibited fibrinogen-mediated cell adhesion and binding of 125I-fibrinogen to mesothelioma or mesothelial cells. Cultured monocytic cells adhere to either mesothelioma or mesothelial cells, and the interaction is promoted by fibrinogen binding ICAM-1 at the cell surface. ICAM-1 is expressed by mesothelioma cells and CD 11b by macrophages in the fibrinous mesothelioma tumor stroma. The data suggest a common mechanism by which monocytic cells could adhere to either malignant mesothelioma cells or the mesothelial surface in pleural neoplasia.

SC-54684A: an orally active inhibitor of platelet aggregation.

Intravenous therapy has been shown to be beneficial in the prevention of acute platelet-associated thrombotic events. However, orally active agents would be advantageous for chronic therapy. Fibrinogen receptor antagonists block the fibrinogen/platelet interaction and thus inhibit a step required for thrombus formation. To date, no orally active fibrinogen binding inhibitors have been characterized. SC-54684A, now in clinical trial, is the orally active prodrug of a potent and specific fibrinogen binding antagonist. We measured inhibition of 125I-fibrinogen binding to activated platelets and inhibition of aggregation in platelet-rich plasma to selected agonists and showed IC50s of 1.0 x 10(-8) and 3 to 7 x 10(-8) mol/L, respectively. Specificity of the active moiety was determined by studying its effect on the binding of (1) neutrophils to interleukin (IL)-1 beta-stimulated endothelial cells, (2) endothelial cells to fibronectin, and (3) vitronectin to isolated vitronectin and fibrinogen receptors. No effect was observed on the binding neutrophils to IL-stimulated endothelial cells or endothelial cell binding to fibronectin. There was a fivefold separation between binding to isolated receptors of vitronectin and fibrinogen. Collagen-induced aggregation was inhibited by 80%, and bleeding time was increased approximately 2.5-fold when the active moiety was infused to steady state at 0.2 micrograms/kg per minute in dogs. When the ester prodrug was given orally and the active moiety was given intravenously, the oral systemic activity was approximately 20%. Pharmacokinetic analysis after intravenous infusion of the prodrug or active moiety showed that the prodrug was rapidly converted to the active moiety; the active moiety had a t1/2 of 6.5 hours. When the prodrug was administered both orally and intravenously, the systemic availability of the active moiety was 62%. SC-54684A, an orally active antiplatelet drug now in clinical trial, is shown to be a potent, specific fibrinogen binding inhibitor that blocks platelet aggregation to a wide variety of known stimuli and has good bioavailability in animals.

Regulation of Platelet Aggregation by Post-fibrinogen Binding Events

A variety of data suggest that fibrinogen binding is necessary but not sufficient for platelet aggregation: post fibrinogen binding events may play an important role. The present study compared fibrinogen binding and platelet aggregation in response to dithiothreitol (DTT) and ADP. DTT induced saturable and specific fibrinogen binding (Kd 0.07 + 0.02 microM, Bmax 15,000 + 3000 molecules/platelet) which supported complete platelet aggregation as determined by single platelet counting. The aggregates were small, however, and more readily dissociated by EDTA than their ADP-treated counterparts, despite quantitatively similar fibrinogen binding. Unlike fibrinogen bound to ADP-stimulated platelets, fibrinogen bound to DTT-treated platelets remained sensitive to dissociation by EDTA over a 3 h time course, retained its ability to support aggregation, even when aggregation was induced 60 min after the initial platelet exposure to fibrinogen, and remained accessible to polyclonal antibodies and plasmin. Confocal scanning laser microscopy showed only a surface clustering of fibrinogen bound to DTT-treated platelets over the 3 h time course compared to rapid fibrinogen clearing from the surface of ADP-stimulated platelets. These data suggest that post fibrinogen binding events involved in the stabilization of fibrinogen binding and/or the redistribution of bound fibrinogen may play important roles in regulating platelet aggregation.

Purification and Identification of the Lipoprotein-binding Proteins from Human Blood Platelet Membrane

As reported previously, homologous plasma lipoproteins specifically bind to the plasma membrane of human blood platelets. The two major lipoprotein-binding membrane glycoproteins were purified to apparent homogeneity and identified by their mobilities in sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, both in the nonreduced and reduced state, by specific antibodies against glycoproteins IIb (GPIIb) and IIIa (GPIIIa), respectively, including the alloantibody anti-PlA1 and monoclonal antibodies. Furthermore, lipoprotein binding to intact platelets is also inhibited in a dose-dependent fashion by preincubation of the platelets with antibodies against these glycoproteins. From these experiments it can be concluded that lipoproteins bind to both components of the glycoprotein IIb-IIIa complex in isolated membranes and intact platelets. High density lipoprotein and low density lipoprotein bind to GPIIIa blotted to nitrocellulose in a way that binding of one species interferes with the binding of the other. Addition of fibrinogen significantly inhibits this binding. The specific binding of fibrinogen to GPIIIa is strongly inhibited in the presence of either of the two lipoproteins. LDL and HDL are specifically bound by isolated GPIIb, too. In our blotting experiments fibrinogen shows no binding to this membrane glycoprotein. On the other hand, fibrinogen significantly interferes with the interaction between GPIIb and the lipoproteins.

On the regulation of the interaction of synthetic polymers with blood

AbstractThe interaction of polymeric hydrogels containing immobilized trypsin and heparin with serum, blood and model solutions of serum proteins has been studied. It has been shown that these binary systems have high haemocompatibility due to specific fibrinogen binding by immobilized heparin and the subsequent lysis of bound substrate by immobilized protease. The lysis is accelerated in the presence of serum albumin and such materials may be regarded as biologically active ternary polymers.

Fibrinogen binding to human platelet plasma membranes. Identification of two steps requiring divalent cations.

Fibrinogen binding to platelet plasma membranes, which is a prerequisite for platelet aggregation, was determined by incubating 125I-labeled fibrinogen with isolated membranes and measuring the amount of radioactivity sedimenting with the membranes through 15% sucrose. Fibrinogen binding was optimal at 10(-3) M Ca2+. Scatchard analyses of the fibrinogen binding showed that the membrane capacity for fibrinogen was 1.6 X 10(-12) mol/mg of membrane protein, with a dissociation constant (Kd) = 1.2 X 10(-8) M. When Ca2+ levels were manipulated by the addition of varying amounts of EGTA at a fixed Mg2+ concentration of 3 X 10(-3) M, specific binding of fibrinogen to platelet membranes occurred only at Ca2+ concentrations greater than or equal to 10(-6) M. Membranes isolated from platelets of an individual with Glanzmann's thrombasthenia bound only 12% as much fibrinogen as control platelets. The data in the present study suggest that there are two divalent cation binding sites that must be occupied for fibrinogen to bind: one site is specific for calcium and is saturated at 10(-6) M Ca2+; the other site is less specific and is saturated at a 10(-3) M concentration of either Ca2+ or Mg2+. Fibrinogen binding to intact platelets and, consequently, platelet aggregation only required 10(-3) M extracellular divalent cation and was not specific for Ca2+. These data indicate that the cytoplasm is a potential source for the requirement of 10(-6) M Ca2+, and that changes in the intracellular concentration of Ca2+ may cause the expression of fibrinogen receptors during ADP-induced platelet activation.

Fibrinogen binding and ADP-induced aggregation in platelets from diabetic subjects.

Abstract The factors responsible for the platelet hyperaggregability often found in diabetics are obscure. Since fibrinogen is essential for ADP-induced aggregation and specific fibrinogen receptors exist on the platelet membrane, ADP-induced platelet aggregation and fibrinogen binding were measured in 16 diabetics (8 background and 7 proliferative retinopathy, 1 maculopathy) and 9 non-diabetic controls. The velocity of platelet aggregation induced by a range of concentrations of ADP was measured and the 1/Km (1/μM ADP) derived from a Lineweaver-Burk plot. 125I-fibrinogen binding was measured in washed platelets and expressed as per cent total radioactivity. Metabolic control of diabetes was assessed by HbA1. Mean per cent specific fibrinogen binding 15 min after the addition of ADP was significantly increased in the 8 diabetics with severe retinopathy compared to controls (5.08 ± 1.04 SEM vs 3.04 ± 0.53: p

Relationship between fibrinogen binding and the platelet glycoprotein deficiencies in Glanzmann's thrombasthenia type I and type II.

We have studied the fibrinogen binding to the platelets of four type I thrombasthenic two type II thrombasthenic patients and 15 normal subjects. The amount of [125I]fibrinogen bound to washed platelets in the presence or absence of 10 micrometers ADP was measured and the results expressed as the percentage of the total radioactivity added. The mean value for specific binding to the platelets of normal subjects was 3.7 (range 1--7.25) at 15 min after the addition of ADP. Type I thrombasthenic patients lack glycoproteins (GP) IIb and IIIa in the platelet membrane and intra-platelet fibrinogen. In all four patients studied, little or no specific fibrinogen binding was detected. Platelets of type II thrombasthenic patients contain detectable, although markedly reduced amounts of GP IIb and IIIa, and subnormal or normal levels of fibrinogen. In these platelets, significant specific fibrinogen binding was observed, the values being slightly below or at the lower end of the normal range. Fibrinogen binding to normal platelets was also measured after the addition of an IgG purified from the serum of a multi-transfused thrombasthenic type I patient. This antibody was previously shown to be directed against the GP IIb/IIIa complex as located by crossed immunoelectrophoresis. Specific fibrinogen-binding was blocked and the extent of the inhibition was directly proportional to the concentration of the antibody added.

Fibrinogen Receptor Exposure and Aggregation of Human Blood Platelets Produced by ADP and Chilling

AbstractADP-induced platelet aggregation is associated with the specific binding of fibrinogen to receptors. Since fibrinogen is also a cofactor for the spontaneous aggregation of chilled human platelets during rewarming, we examined the ability of these platelets to bind purified 126l-labeled fibrinogen. Specific binding similar to ADP-induced binding at room temperature was observed after the platelets had been chilled for 20 min at 0–2°C. Aggregation, however, occurred only when the ambient temperature was increased and was followed within 15–30 sec by loss of most of the bound fibrinogen and disaggregation. ADP- and cold-induced fibrinogen binding and aggregation were inhibited by 0.3 µM PGE“ 1 mM dibutyryl cyclic AMP, and 2.5 mM EDTA, unaffected by 208 µM colchicine, and absent from thrombasthenic platelets. Platelets change shape from discs to spiny spheres when they are exposed to ADP or cold. PGE1 and dibutyryl cyclic AMP prevented the shape change induced by ADP but not by chilling. Shape change, fibrinogen binding, and aggregation induced by ADP. but not by chilling, were inhibited by incubating platelets with 7.3 µM antimycin A and 4.9 mM 2-deoxy-D-glucose. Fixed platelets bound fibrinogen only if they were exposed to ADP before fixation but they failed to aggregate. Studies with fixed platelets showed that EDTA and a low pH prevent the interaction of fibrinogen with exposed receptors, whereas platelets stimulated with ADP in the absence of divalent cations or at low pH prior to fixation bound fibrinogen at physiologic pH, and this binding was inhibited by EDTA. The present studies provide the following clues about the requirements for fibrinogen receptor exposure and platelet aggregation. (1) ADP and chilling activate platelets by exposing fibrinogen receptors via a common pathway that is blocked by elevating cyclic AMP. (2) Chilling can bypass the seemingly ATP-dependent step for ADP-induced fibrinogen receptor exposure. (3) Receptor exposure by both ADP and chilling is independent of platelet shape. (4) Increased cyclic AMP inhibits the shape change induced by ADP but not that caused by chilling. (5) EDTA and low pH prevent aggregation by interfering with the binding of fibrinogen to exposed receptors. (6) Receptor mobility may be as important as fibrinogen binding in supporting platelet aggregation.

Fibrinogen receptor exposure and aggregation of human blood platelets produced by ADP and chilling

Abstract ADP-induced platelet aggregation is associated with the specific binding of fibrinogen to receptors. Since fibrinogen is also a cofactor for the spontaneous aggregation of chilled human platelets during rewarming, we examined the ability of these platelets to bind purified 126l-labeled fibrinogen. Specific binding similar to ADP-induced binding at room temperature was observed after the platelets had been chilled for 20 min at 0–2°C. Aggregation, however, occurred only when the ambient temperature was increased and was followed within 15–30 sec by loss of most of the bound fibrinogen and disaggregation. ADP- and cold-induced fibrinogen binding and aggregation were inhibited by 0.3 µM PGE“ 1 mM dibutyryl cyclic AMP, and 2.5 mM EDTA, unaffected by 208 µM colchicine, and absent from thrombasthenic platelets. Platelets change shape from discs to spiny spheres when they are exposed to ADP or cold. PGE1 and dibutyryl cyclic AMP prevented the shape change induced by ADP but not by chilling. Shape change, fibrinogen binding, and aggregation induced by ADP. but not by chilling, were inhibited by incubating platelets with 7.3 µM antimycin A and 4.9 mM 2-deoxy-D-glucose. Fixed platelets bound fibrinogen only if they were exposed to ADP before fixation but they failed to aggregate. Studies with fixed platelets showed that EDTA and a low pH prevent the interaction of fibrinogen with exposed receptors, whereas platelets stimulated with ADP in the absence of divalent cations or at low pH prior to fixation bound fibrinogen at physiologic pH, and this binding was inhibited by EDTA. The present studies provide the following clues about the requirements for fibrinogen receptor exposure and platelet aggregation. (1) ADP and chilling activate platelets by exposing fibrinogen receptors via a common pathway that is blocked by elevating cyclic AMP. (2) Chilling can bypass the seemingly ATP-dependent step for ADP-induced fibrinogen receptor exposure. (3) Receptor exposure by both ADP and chilling is independent of platelet shape. (4) Increased cyclic AMP inhibits the shape change induced by ADP but not that caused by chilling. (5) EDTA and low pH prevent aggregation by interfering with the binding of fibrinogen to exposed receptors. (6) Receptor mobility may be as important as fibrinogen binding in supporting platelet aggregation.