Washed Human Platelets Research Articles

Stimulatory Roles of Nitric-oxide Synthase 3 and Guanylyl Cyclase in Platelet Activation

Nitric oxide (NO) stimulates soluble guanylyl cyclase and, thus, enhances cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels. It is a currently prevailing concept that NO inhibits platelet activation. This concept, however, does not fully explain why platelet agonists stimulate NO production. Here we show that a major platelet NO synthase (NOS) isoform, NOS3, plays a stimulatory role in platelet secretion and aggregation induced by low doses of platelet agonists. Furthermore, we show that NOS3 promotes thrombosis in vivo. The stimulatory role of NOS is mediated by soluble guanylyl cyclase and results from a cGMP-dependent stimulation of platelet granule secretion. These findings delineate a novel signaling pathway in which agonists sequentially activate NOS3, elevate cGMP, and induce platelet secretion and aggregation. Our data also suggest that NO plays a biphasic role in platelet activation, a stimulatory role at low NO concentrations and an inhibitory role at high NO concentrations.

Evidence for a Role of ADAM17 (TACE) in the Regulation of Platelet Glycoprotein V

Glycoprotein V (GPV) is a subunit of the GPIb-IX-V receptor for von Willebrand factor and thrombin and has been shown to modulate platelet responses to the two strongest physiological agonists, thrombin and collagen. Thrombin directly cleaves GPV from the platelet surface, yielding a 69-kDa fragment GPV f1 of unknown function. We show here that a approximately 82-kDa fragment of GPV is shed from the platelet surface upon cellular activation with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate or the collagen-related peptide. This shedding was inhibited by the broad range metalloproteinase inhibitor GM6001, the two potent ADAM17 inhibitors GW280264X and TAPI-2, and was absent in mice lacking functional ADAM17 (ADAM17 lacking Zn-binding domain; ADAM17(DeltaZn/DeltaZn)). Furthermore, we show that recombinant ADAM17 ectodomain efficiently releases GPV from the platelet surface. GPV is known to be associated with the intracellular regulatory protein calmodulin, which has previously been shown to be involved in ADAM17-mediated shedding of l-selectin from the surface of leukocytes. As in these reports, inhibition of calmodulin led to rapid GPV shedding from the platelet surface, a process that was again blocked by GM6001 or ADAM17 inhibitors and that was absent in ADAM17(DeltaZn/DeltaZn) mice. Inhibition of outside-in signaling through GPIIb/IIIa did not significantly affect GPV shedding, excluding an essential role of this pathway for the regulation of ADAM17 activity. These results demonstrate that GPV is cleaved upon agonist-induced platelet activation and show that ADAM17 is the major enzyme mediating this process.

Regulation of Outside-in Signaling in Platelets by Integrin-associated Protein Kinase Cβ

Studies with inhibitors have implicated protein kinase C (PKC) in the adhesive functions of integrin alpha(IIb)beta(3) in platelets, but the responsible PKC isoforms and mechanisms are unknown. Alpha(IIb)beta(3) interacts directly with tyrosine kinases c-Src and Syk. Therefore, we asked whether alpha(IIb)beta(3) might also interact with PKC. Of the several PKC isoforms expressed in platelets, only PKC beta co-immunoprecipitated with alpha(IIb)beta(3) in response to the interaction of platelets with soluble or immobilized fibrinogen. PKC beta recruitment to alpha(IIb)beta(3) was accompanied by a 9-fold increase in PKC activity in alpha(IIb)beta(3) immunoprecipitates. RACK1, an intracellular adapter for activated PKC beta, also co-immunoprecipitated with alpha(IIb)beta(3), but in this case, the interaction was constitutive. Broad spectrum PKC inhibitors blocked both PKC beta recruitment to alpha(IIb)beta(3) and the spread of platelets on fibrinogen. Similarly, mouse platelets that are genetically deficient in PKC beta spread poorly on fibrinogen, despite normal agonist-induced fibrinogen binding. In a Chinese hamster ovary cell model system, adhesion to fibrinogen caused green fluorescent protein-PKC beta I to associate with alpha(IIb)beta(3) and to co-localize with it at lamellipodial edges. These responses, as well as Chinese hamster ovary cell migration on fibrinogen, were blocked by the deletion of the beta(3) cytoplasmic tail or by co-expression of a RACK1 mutant incapable of binding to beta(3). These studies demonstrate that the interaction of alpha(IIb)beta(3) with activated PKC beta is regulated by integrin occupancy and can be mediated by RACK1 and that the interaction is required for platelet spreading triggered through alpha(IIb)beta(3). Furthermore, the studies extend the concept of alpha(IIb)beta(3) as a scaffold for multiple protein kinases that regulate the platelet actin cytoskeleton.

Inhibitory effects of sulphated flavonoids isolated from Flaveria bidentis on platelet aggregation

Flaveria bidentis is a plant species that has as major constituents sulphated flavonoids in the highest degree of sulphatation. Among them, quercetin 3,7,3′,4′-tetrasulphate (QTS) and quercetin 3-acetyl-7,3′,4′-trisulphate (ATS) are the most important constituents. Both showed anticoagulant properties. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of these flavonoids on human platelet aggregation in comparison with the well-known inhibitor quercetin (Qc) by using several agonists. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or washed human platelets (WP) were incubated with different concentrations of the flavonoids to be tested (1 to 1000 μM, final concentration), and the platelet aggregation was induced by using adenosine 5′-diphosphate (ADP), epinephrine (EP), collagen, arachidonic acid (AA) and ristocetin as agonists. QTS (500 μM) and Qc (250 μM) markedly inhibited platelet aggregation with all the aggregant agents, except ristocetin, whereas ATS (1000 μM) showed only slight antiplatelet effects. In addition, QTS and Qc antagonized the aggregation of PRP or WP induced by U-46619, a mimetic thromboxane A2 (TxA 2) receptor agonist. Challenged with collagen or arachidonic acid, the thromboxane B 2 (TxB 2) formation was also inhibited by the flavonoids, mainly by QTS and Qc, in WP. These results demonstrate that QTS and in minor extension ATS induce a deleterious effect on the production of TxA 2, as judged by TxB 2 formation, in stimulated WP and a marked interference on the TxA 2 receptor according to the profile of inhibition of the agonist-induced platelet aggregation when using ADP, EP, AA and collagen and confirmed with U-46619.

Toborinone and olprinone, phosphodiesterase III inhibitors, inhibit human platelet aggregation due to the inhibition of both calcium release from intracellular stores and calcium entry.

We investigated the inhibitory effects of toborinone and olprinone on human platelet aggregation and calcium mobilization.Abstract Copyright: Washed human platelets were preincubated with toborinone or olprinone, then exposed to 0.015 U.ml-1 of thrombin. Aggregation curves were measured using an aggregometer. Effects of toborinone or olprinone on changes in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) were measured fluorometrically using fura-2 acetoxymethyl ester (fura-2). Levels of intracellular cyclic 3",5"-adenosine monophosphate concentration ([cAMP]i) were also measured, using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) techniques. The concentrations required to cause 50% inhibition of aggregation (IC50) induced by thrombin were 9.7 +/- 0.9 micro M for toborinone and 3.6 +/- 0.2 micro M for olprinone. Both drugs at IC50 significantly elevated [cAMP]i levels and significantly inhibited Ca2+ release from intracellular stores. Release of [Ca2+]i induced by thrombin was 272.9 +/- 87.1 nM, 153.3 +/- 28.7 nM, and 138.9 +/- 58.2 nM in the control, toborinone, and olprinone groups, respectively ( P < 0.02). Calcium influx through calcium channels in the plasma membrane was also suppressed by toborinone and olprinone. Toborinone (9.7 micro M) and olprinone (3.6 micro M) inhibit human platelet aggregation, though these concentrations are higher than their therapeutic plasma concentrations. The inhibitory effects of both drugs are related to the inhibition of both Ca2+ release and Ca2+ entry through [cAMP]i elevation.

Human lipoprotein (a)-induced reduction of platelet aggregation is not mediated by apolipoprotein A's lysine-binding regions.

Intact lipoprotein (a) (Lp (a)) is known to decrease collagen-stimulated platelet aggregation in vitro, though the nature of the interaction between this lipoprotein and stimulated platelets is unknown. Lysine binding regions of Lp (a) facilitate binding between it and at least one cell type. Epsilon aminocaproic acid (EACA) renders Lp (a)'s lysine binding regions incapable of cellular interaction using those regions. Washed human platelets were presented vehicle alone or with varying concentrations of Lp (a) either not exposed or previously exposed to increasing levels of EACA. In all experiments, EACA failed to affect the impact of Lp(a) on platelet aggregation. It is concluded that the lysine binding regions of Lp (a) do not mediate the intact Lp(a)-induced reduction of collagen-stimulated platelet aggregation in vitro.

Effect of homocysteine on the L-arginine/nitric oxide synthase/nitric oxide pathway in human platelets.

Recent evidence indicates that chronic hyperhomocysteinemia is an independent risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis, thrombosis, and other cardiovascular diseases. This may be secondary to impaired fibrinolysis, or increased platelet reactivity. L-Arginine/ nitric oxide synthase/nitric oxide (NO) plays an important role in the regulation of platelet function. The present study was undertaken to determine the effect of homocysteine (HCY) on the L-arginine/NO pathway of human platelets. Washed human platelets were incubated in the presence or absence of HCY for 2h at 37 degrees C followed by a measurement of indices of the L-arginine/NO pathway. HCY caused a concentration-dependent reduction in the platelet uptake of L-[3H]arginine. HCY also caused a concentration-dependent decrease in nitrite production concurrent with a decrease in cyclic guanosine monophosphate, whereas NO synthase activity of the platelets, measured as conversion of L-[3H]arginine to L-[3H]citrulline, remained unchanged on incubation with HCY. These observations indicate that the L-arginine/NO pathway is involved in the mechanism responsible for the effects of HCY on platelets by diminishing NO production through decreased uptake of L-arginin

Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein Inhibits the Binding of Monoclonal Antibody to Platelet Glycoprotein IIB-IIIA

Previous studies have shown that oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) induces platelet activation more effectively than native LDL. To achieve a better understanding of the mechanism underlying the activation of human platelets by oxidized LDL, the present study relates the effect of oxidized LDL to changes of binding characteristics for glycoprotein (GP) IIb-IIIa. Washed human platelets were treated by monoclonal antibody against GP IIb-IIIa, and the ligand-receptor complexes were revealed by immunocytochemical techniques on the ultrastructural level. The localization of the antiglycoprotein IIb-IIIa was time-dependent. After binding to the platelet surface membrane and open canalicular system, the surface-membrane labeling decreased during longer incubation periods. Preincubation with oxidized LDL inhibited the binding of antiglycoprotein IIb-IIIa. Our findings suggest that GP IIb-IIIa acts as a receptor for oxidized LDL. The binding of oxidized LDL to the GP IIb-IIIa might be the first step in platelet activation by plasma lipoproteins.

Biotinylated Platelets Have an Impaired Response to Agonists as Evidenced by In Vitro Platelet Aggregation Tests

Biotinylation of platelets, using a water soluble biotin analogue which reacts with primary amines, has been proposed to be a reliable technique for study of in vivo survival of platelets and their subpopulations. The information about the influence of this technique on platelet function has been limited. In the present work we studied the effect of in vitro biotinylation on platelet function and activation. Washed human platelets, at a concentration of 1×10 9/L, were biotinylated with five different concentrations of sulfo-NHS-biotin or NHS-LC-biotin, ranging from 0 to 5 mM. The degree of platelet activation during and after biotinylation was monitored by measuring the externalization of P-selectin, and the platelet function was evaluated by aggregometry. It was observed that biotinylated platelets, in a dose dependent manner, displayed an impaired aggregation response. A slight increase in platelet membrane P-selectin occurred during the labelling procedure.

Pretreatment of Human Platelets with Plasmin Inhibits Responses toThrombin, but Potentiates Responses to Low Concentrations of Aggregating Agents, Including the Thrombin Receptor Activating Peptide, SFLLRN

Effects of plasmin on platelets, that influence subsequent responses to aggregating agents, are relevant to attempts to prevent rethrombosis following administration of fibrinolytic agents. We describe plasmin-induced inhibition of platelet responses to thrombin, but potentiation of responses to other aggregating agents. Washed human platelets were labeled with 14C-serotonin, treated for 30 min at 37 degrees C with 0, 0.1 or 0.2 CU/ml of plasmin, followed by aprotinin, washed and resuspended in a Tyrode-albumin solution with apyrase. Incubation with 0.2 CU/ml of plasmin almost completely inhibited thrombin-induced (0.1 U/ml) aggregation, release of 14C-serotonin, and increase in cytosolic [Ca2+]. In contrast, with plasmin-pretreated platelets, aggregation and release of 14C-serotonin were strongly potentiated in response to low concentrations of the thrombin receptor-activating peptide SFLLRN, ADP, platelet-activating factor, collagen, arachidonic acid, the thromboxane mimetic U46619, and the calcium ionophores A23187 and ionomycin. Aspirin or RGDS partially inhibited potentiation. Plasmin-pretreated platelets resuspended in plasma anticoagulated with FPRCH2Cl (PPACK) also showed enhanced responses to aggregating agents other than thrombin. The contrasting effects on responses to thrombin and SFLLRN are noteworthy. Plasmin cleaves GPIIb/IIIa so that it becomes a competent fibrinogen receptor, and binding of 125I-fibrinogen during ADP-induced aggregation was greatly potentiated within 10 s. Potentiation of aggregation by other agonists may be due to increased binding of released fibrinogen. Thus, platelets freed from a thrombus may have increased responsiveness to low concentrations of aggregating agents other than thrombin. These results provide further support for the use of inhibitors of platelet reactions in conjunction with administration of fibrinolytic agents.

Platelets attenuate oxidant-induced permeability in endothelial monolayers: glutathione-dependent mechanisms.

We studied the effects of adding washed human platelets or platelets with nonintact glutathione redox cycles to endothelial cell monolayers treated with glucose oxidase to initiate oxidant stress and increase permeability. Changes in 125I-labeled albumin transmonolayer movement were used as the index of monolayer permeability. Washed human platelets attenuated oxidant-induced increases in albumin flux. Platelets treated with 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosurea, 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene, or buthionine sulfoximine to inhibit selective enzymatic steps in the glutathione redox cycle decreased permeability to a lesser degree. We conclude that 1) washed human platelets attenuate monolayer permeability defects in aortic endothelial monolayers exposed to glucose oxidase and 2) the protective effects of platelets are partially dependent on an intact platelet glutathione redox cycle.

Protein kinase C inhibitors enhance G-protein induced phospholipase A 2 activation in intact human platelets

Washed intact human platelets were prelabelled with [ 3H]arachidonic acid ([ 3H]AA) and stimulated with thrombin or with AIF 4 −, a known unspecific activator of G-proteins. Both stimuli induced the liberation of [ 3H]AA, the release of β-thromboglobulin (β-TG) and platelet aggregation. PMA did not induce liberation of [ 3H]AA although it induced β-TG release and aggregation; preincubation with PMA did not modify significantly the amounts of [ 3H]AA and β-TG released by thrombin or AlF 4 −. Different inhibitors of PKC (staurosporine, H-7 and calphostin C) increased the release of [ 3H]AA and inhibited β-TG release and aggregation induced by AlF 4 − but they had no effect when platelets were stimulated with thrombin (0.5 U/ml). Calphostin C was able to release [ 3H]AA by itself without inducing aggregation or β-TG release. Okadaic acid (a serine/threonine phosphoprotein phosphatase inhibitor) greatly inhibited the release of [ 3H]AA, β-TG and aggregation in AlF 4 −-stimulated platelets. These results indicate the presence of a G-protein mediated mechanism for the activation of a platelet phospholipase A 2 which is negatively affected by a protein kinase, sensible to putative inhibitors of protein kinase C, and it is activated by a protein phosphatase, sensible to okadaic acid.

The Morphology of Thrombin-activated Platelets with Reference to Different Fibrinogen Concentrations as Revealed by Computer-aided Three-dimensional Reconstruction

Washed human platelets incubated in different concentrations of fibrinogen were activated by thrombin and aggregated in the presence of Ca(2+) or did not aggregate when EDTA was present. They were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy and computer-aided three-dimensional reconstruction. The volumes and surface areas of the reconstructed models were calculated. The quotients of the values calculated for the whole platelet and the surface-connected canalicular system were taken as measures of the degree of surface invagination. Increasing the concentrations of fibrinogen reduced the values of the quotients indicating enhanced internalization of surface membranes, and tended to smoothen the outer surfaces to obtain spherical shapes. The invaginations are much more pronounced in platelets that did not aggregate in the presence of EDTA suggesting that aggregation fixes some membrane areas that otherwise would be redistributed to the platelet's inner compartments.

Gold-labelled Low Density Lipoproteins Bind to Washed Human Platelets

There is still disagreement about the presence of receptors for low density lipoproteins (LDL) in human platelets. Therefore, washed human platelets in suspension were incubated with gold-labelled LDL, and the binding sites for LDL were revealed by transmission electron microscopy on ultrathin sections and on surface replicas. The LDL-gold complexes bound to the platelet membrane and appeared in the open canalicular system. Gold particles were also found within the coated vesicles. The predominant labelling pattern, showed by the surface replicas, was that of scattered single gold particles randomly distributed over the platelet surface. Some small clusters of gold particles were also observed, uniformly distributed between the individual particles. Competitive experiments using an excess of unlabelled LDL suggested that the binding was due to specific binding sites for LDL on the platelet membrane, possibly the LDL receptor. However, the binding sites are not expected to be the classical apolipoprotein B/E receptor, since the binding was inhibited by preincubating the platelets with anti-glycoprotein IIb-IIIa.

Activation of phospholipase C and protein kinase C has little involvement in ADP-induced primary aggregation of human platelets: effects of diacylglycerols, the diacylglycerols, the diacylglycerol kinase inhibitor R59022, staurosporine and okadaic acid

The primary phase of ADP-induced aggregation of human platelets does not involve appreciable formation of thromboxane A2 or release of granule contents; lack of formation of inositol trisphosphate has also been noted. Because these responses of platelets to ADP differ so markedly from their responses to other aggregating agents, the roles in ADP-induced aggregation of diacylglycerol, protein kinase C, increases in cytosolic [Ca2+], phosphorylation of pleckstrin (47 kDa) and phosphatases 1 and 2a were investigated. Washed human platelets, prelabelled with [14C]5-hydroxytryptamine and suspended in Tyrode solution (2 mM Ca2+, 1 mM Mg2+), were used for comparisons between the aggregation induced by 2-4 microM ADP, in the presence of fibrinogen, and that induced by 0.05 units/ml thrombin. The diacylglycerol kinase inhibitor 6-(2-[(4-fluorophenyl)phenyl-methylene]-1-piperidinylethyl)-7-meth yl-5H-thiazolo[3,2-a]-pyrimidin-5-one (R59022; 25 microM) had no, or only a slight, enhancing effect on ADP-induced aggregation, but potentiated thrombin-induced responses to a much greater extent. 1,2-Dihexanoyl-sn-glycerol or 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol (25 microM) added with or 30-90 s before ADP greatly potentiated aggregation without formation of thromboxane; staurosporine, an inhibitor of protein kinase C, reduced this potentiation. Staurosporine (25 nM) did not inhibit ADP-induced aggregation, although it strongly inhibited thrombin-induced aggregation and release of [14C]5-hydroxytryptamine. All these observations indicate little or no dependence of primary ADP-induced aggregation on the formation of diacylglycerol or on the activation of protein kinase C. At 2-4 microM, ADP did not significantly increase the phosphorylation of pleckstrin (studied with platelets prelabelled with [32P]orthophosphate), but 1,2-dihexanoyl-sn-glycerol- induced phosphorylation of pleckstrin was increased by ADP. Surprisingly, the diacylglycerols strongly inhibited the ADP-induced rise in cytosolic [Ca2+] concurrently with potentiation of ADP-induced aggregation; thus the extent of primary aggregation is independent of the level to which cytosolic [Ca2+] rises. Incubation of platelets with 1,2-dihexanoyl-sn-glycerol or 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol for several minutes reversed their potentiating effects on aggregation, and inhibition was observed. Incubation of platelets with okadaic acid, an inhibitor of phosphatases 1 and 2a, inhibited ADP- and thrombin-induced aggregation; although the reason for this effect is unknown, it is unlikely to involve inhibition of phospholipase C, since formation of diacylglycerol appears to have little involvement in the primary phase of ADP-induced aggregation.

Effects of α-tocopherol (Vitamin E) on the Ultrastructure of Human Platelets In Vitro

Washed human platelets were incubated with increasing concentrations of α-tocopherol. Spontaneous aggregation was induced by tocopherol (0.5 mM or above). Aggregation was inhibited by ethylenediaminetetraacetate and platelet activation was reduced by prostaglandin E(1). Using electron microscopy, it was confirmed that tocopherol caused platelet disruption to some extent and the released components may have generated aggregation. These effects were not observed in platelet-rich plasma. Spontaneous activation was not observed when the concentration of tocopherol was 0.03 mM or lower. Concentrations of tocopherol between 0.075 mM and 0.0075 mM had inhibiting influences on activation of washed platelets by thrombin. Tocopherol (between 0.1 mM and 0.005 mM) changed activation of washed platelets by cationized ferritin in that it facilitated the first phase of aggregation but reduced the second phase in an indirect proportional manner. The results show that the effects of tocopherol in washed platelet preparations are not comparable to those observed in plasma and that the platelet membrane must be regarded as a crucial target for vitamin E.

LDL binding sites on platelets differ from the "classical" receptor of nucleated cells.

Washed human platelets bound radioiodinated low density lipoprotein (125I-LDL) to a class of saturable binding sites; they numbered 1,348 +/- 126 per platelet, and the dissociation constant (KD) was 50.7 +/- 9 nM. 125I-LDL binding to platelets was reversible, and apparent equilibrium was attained within 25 minutes at 22 degrees C and was characterized by forward and reverse rate constants of 1.47 x 10(4) x sec-1 x M-1 and 8 x 10(-4) x sec-1 x M-1, respectively. Such binding was largely unaltered by temperature, divalent ions, and chelating agents. In addition, neither did receptor regulation (up or down) occur when platelets were loaded with cholesterol, nor did prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) increase the binding of 125I-LDL to platelets. On the other hand, the specificity of LDL binding was not typical of the LDL receptor of nucleated cells. Lipoproteins competed for the occupancy of LDL binding sites in platelets with the following order of potency: very low density >> intermediate density > high density subfraction 2. High density lipoprotein subfraction 3, heparin, and PGE1 had no effect on this binding. 125I-LDL binding to lymphocytes and fibroblasts and proteolytic degradation of 125I-LDL by lymphocytes was inhibited by the monoclonal antibody IgG-C7 directed against the LDL receptor to 88%, 85%, and 85% (p < 0.001), respectively. However, with this monoclonal antibody, a blocking effect on neither 125I-LDL binding to platelets nor on LDL-enhanced platelet aggregation induced by ADP and collagen was found. Moreover, we confirmed the existence of LDL binding in platelets from patients with familial hypercholesterolemia. Our results indicate that human platelets bind LDL by saturable sites, which clearly differ from the "classical" LDL receptor in their binding properties, absence of receptor regulation, presence in platelets of familial hypercholesterolemia patients, and the lack of a blocking effect of IgG-C7 on LDL binding and LDL biological activity.

Thrombospondin-induced adhesion of human platelets.

Washed human unactivated platelets attached and spread on thrombospondin (TSP)-coated microtiter plates. Platelet adhesion was promoted by divalent cations Mn2+, Mg2+, and Ca2+ as compared to buffer having all divalent cations complexed with EDTA. TSP-dependent adhesion was inhibited by anti-TSP fab fragments, an anti-TSP monoclonal antibody, an RGD-containing peptide, complex-specific anti-glycoprotein (GP)IIb-IIIa monoclonal antibodies (A2A9 or AP-2) and anti-VLA-2 monoclonal antibodies (6F1 and Gi9), but not by rabbit preimmune fab fragments, mouse IgG, an anti-GPIIIa monoclonal antibody, or monoclonal antibodies against either the human vitronectin receptor, glycocalicin, or GPIV. At saturating concentrations, anti-GPIIb-IIIa inhibited adhesion by 40-60%. Glanzman's thrombasthenic platelets, which lack GPIIb-IIIa, adhered to TSP to the same extent as anti-GPIIb-IIIa-treated normal platelets or 40-60% as well as untreated normal platelets. Antibody 6F1 (5-10 micrograms/ml) inhibited platelet adhesion of both normal and thrombasthenic platelets by 84-100%. Both VLA-2 antibodies also inhibited collagen-induced platelet adhesion, but had no effect on fibronectin-induced adhesion of normal platelets. These data indicate that platelets specifically adhere to TSP and that this adhesion is mediated through GPIIb-IIIa and/or VLA-2.

Washed human platelets prevent ischemia-reperfusion edema in isolated rabbit lungs

Washed human platelets prevent edema formation in isolated rabbit lungs infused with xanthine oxidase, an enzyme that injures endothelial membranes by generating extracellular oxidants. We hypothesized that platelets would similarly preserve membrane permeability in isolated lungs exposed to ischemia-reperfusion injury, a model that perturbs endothelial cells by the generation of intracellular oxidants. Isolated perfused rabbit lungs (IPL) were exposed to warm ischemia-reperfusion to cause lung edema. The infusion of washed human platelets (1.05 +/- 0.02 x 10(10) cells) prevented edema formation as measured by lung weight gain, wet-to-dry lung weight ratios, histological edema, and preservation of paraendothelial cell tight junctions. Inhibition of the platelet glutathione redox cycle with 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea, dehydroepiandrosterone, or 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene interfered with platelet protective effects. In contrast, inhibition of platelet catalase with aminotriazole and H2O2 had no effect on platelet protection. Lung tissue malonyldialdehyde concentrations were similar in isolated lungs exposed to ischemia-reperfusion with or without the infusion of platelets. These results indicate that platelet attenuation of ischemia-reperfusion lung edema depends on platelet glutathione redox cycle antioxidants but not platelet catalase.

Binding of Platelet Agglutinating Protein p 37 from the Plasma of a Patient with Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura to Human Platelets

We have previously reported the purification of a 37 kDa platelet agglutinating protein (PAP p37) from the plasma of a patient with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) that was shown to be present in a subset of TTP patients. To gain further insight into the interaction between PAP p37 and platelets, we have studied the properties of PAP p37 binding to platelets. Washed human platelets from two normal donors and two TTP patients after recovery were used for the experiments. The PAP p37 binding to platelets was specific, concentration dependent and saturable. Scatchard analysis demonstrated about 20,564-27,090 PAP p37 binding sites per platelet. Stimulation of platelets with thrombin or ADP did not have any significant effect on its binding. Thiol- and serine-specific protease inhibitors did not inhibit PAP p37 binding to the platelets. Sugars such as glucose, fructose, mannose, and sialic acid, at 40 mM, inhibited its binding to platelets by 44%, 73%, 79%, and 91% respectively, but galactose and amino sugars did not have any significant effect. At 250 micrograms/ml, Concanavalin-A inhibited 42% of binding, but other lectins, such as phytohemagglutinin-P, potato lectin and helix pomatia lectin (snail), did not. Pre-incubation of 125I-PAP p37 with the adult human IgG, decreased its binding to the platelets. The monoclonal antibodies to GP Ib (6D1) and GP IIb-IIIa complex (10E5) did not inhibit the binding of 125I-PAP p37 to platelets. Fibrinogen and von Willebrand factor did not affect the binding either. These results suggest that PAP p37 binds to platelets on the sites other than GP Ib or GP IIb-IIIa complex.