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Activated Platelets (activated + platelet)
Selected AbstractsGrowth factors in periodontal regenerationINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DENTAL HYGIENE, Issue 2 2009S Raja Abstract:, Inflammatory periodontal disease is an almost ubiquitous disorder in the adult population. Cases or sites with moderate to advanced disease often continue to show signs of inflammation after non-surgical approach. Our current understanding of periodontal healing is based on a hypothesis by Melcher who proposed that the cell type that repopulates the exposed root surface at the periodontal repair site will define the nature of the attachment/repair that take place. If mesenchymal cells from periodontal ligament/perivascular region of the bone proliferate and colonize the root surface, regeneration occurs. Growth factors are natural cell products that are released or activated when cell division is needed. This action typically occurs during such events as wound healing or tissue regeneration. Activated platelets at the wound margins release several growth factors such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor (TGF)-,, epidermal growth factor etc. Cells adjacent to the injured site also are induced to release growth factors such as insulin-like growth factor-I, PDGF, TGF-, and TGF-, within a few hours after injury. In periodontal regeneration, the coronal re-establishment of the periodontal ligament (PDL) is required together with corresponding cementum and supporting alveolar bone. Thus, agents which promote periodontal ligament fibroblast (PLF) proliferation and migration as well as collagen biosynthesis would appear to be mediators for enhancing new PDL formation. When combinations or cocktails of different factors are used, greater repair is achieved than when individual factors are applied. [source] Factor VIIa-mediated tenase function on activated platelets under flowJOURNAL OF THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS, Issue 8 2004M. S. Goel Summary.,Background: Tissue factor (TF) and/or active factor (F)VIIa may be stored inside resting platelets. Objectives: The objective of this study was to examine if platelets, following activation of GPVI, could support tenase and prothrombinase activity without any exogenously added tissue factor. Methods: Thrombin (IIa) formation on gel-filtered platelets with added factors or the clotting of platelet-free plasma (PFP) or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) supplemented with corn trypsin inhibitor (CTI) (to inhibit factor XIIa) was studied in well plate assays with a fluorogenic thrombin substrate or in flow assays by fibrin visualization. Results: Pretreatment of convulxin (CVX)-stimulated, fibrinogen-adherent, gel-filtered platelets with anti-TF, anti-FVII/VIIa, or 1 nm PPACK [inhibitor of FVIIa, factor XIa and factor (F)IIa] delayed fibrin deposition on platelets perfused with PFP/CTI at 62.5 s,1. Anti-TF or anti-FVII/VIIa also attenuated thrombin generation in plate assays using recalcified PRP/CTI treated with CVX. Anti-TF or anti-FVII/VIIa (but not inhibited factor IXa) delayed the burst in thrombin production by gel-filtered platelets suspended in prothrombin and CVX by 14 min and 40 min, respectively. Anti-FVII/VIIa completely eliminated thrombin generation on fibrinogen-adherent, gel-filtered platelets pretreated with 10 µm PPACK and 10 µm EGR-CK [inhibitor of factor (F)Xa], rinsed, and then supplemented with CVX, prothrombin, and FX. Addition of anionic phospholipid to PFP/CTI or to a mixture of prothrombin, FX, and recVIIa was not sufficient to generate detectable tenase activity. Lastly, isolated, unactivated neutrophils suspended in FX, FII and recVIIa supported a very low level of thrombin generation sensitive to antagonism of P-selectin, CD18, and TF. Conclusions: Activated platelets supported tenase and prothrombinase activity by elevating the function or level of FVIIa and exposing active FVIIa or FVIIa-cofactor(s), distinct from anionic lipid, that may be, in part, TF. [source] Activated platelets contribute to stimulation of cardiac afferents during ischaemia in cats: role of 5-HT3 receptorsTHE JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 3 2002Liang-Wu Fu Myocardial ischaemia activates blood platelets and cardiac sympathetic afferents, which mediate chest pain and cardiovascular reflex responses. We have demonstrated that activated platelets stimulate ischaemically sensitive cardiac sympathetic afferents. Platelets absorb and release 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) when they are activated. In the present study we hypothesized that, by releasing 5-HT, activated platelets stimulate cardiac afferents during ischaemia through a 5-HT3 receptor mechanism. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-poor plasma (PPP) were obtained from cats. Activation of platelets in PRP was induced by thrombin (5 units ml,1) or collagen (2 mg kg,1). Using high-performance liquid chromatography, we observed that the concentration of 5-HT was increased significantly in suspensions of platelets activated with thrombin (PRP+thrombin, 28 ± 1.7 ,m) or collagen (PRP+collagen, 27 ± 2.5 ,m) compared with suspensions of unactivated platelets (PRP+saline, 2.3 ± 0.8 ,m) and PPP. During myocardial ischaemia and reperfusion, tirofiban, a specific inhibitor of platelet glycoprotein (GP) IIb-IIIa receptors (100 ,g kg,1, I.V., followed by 5 ,g kg,1 min,1), significantly reduced the increase in the concentration of 5-HT in cardiac venous plasma from ischaemic region. Nerve activity of single-unit cardiac afferents was recorded from the left sympathetic chain (T2-T5) in anaesthetized cats. Eighty ischaemically sensitive and seven ischaemically insensitive cardiac afferents were identified. Tirofiban reduced the ischaemia-related increase in activity of seven cardiac sympathetic afferents by 50 %. Injection of 1.5 ml of PRP+collagen or PRP+thrombin into the left atrium (LA) increased activity of 16 cardiac afferents. Tropisetron (300 ,g kg,1, I.V.), a selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, eliminated the afferent's responses to platelets activated with collagen or thrombin. Moreover, LA injection of 5-HT (20-40 ,g kg,1) and PBG (100 ,g kg,1), a 5-HT3 receptor agonist, stimulated nine ischaemically sensitive cardiac sympathetic afferents, significantly increasing the activity of these afferents. However, injection of ,-M-5-HT (100 ,g kg,1, LA), a 5-HT2 receptor agonist, stimulated only two of the nine ischaemically sensitive cardiac afferents, and thus did not significantly alter impulse activity of this group of afferents. Both the 5-HT1 (5-CT, 100 ,g kg,1, LA) and 5-HT4 receptor agonists (SC53116, 100 ,g kg,1, LA) did not stimulate any of the nine afferents tested. Tropisetron (300 ,g kg,1, I.V.) also eliminated the response of seven ischaemically sensitive cardiac afferents to exogenous 5-HT and attenuated the ischaemia-related increase in activity of nine cardiac sympathetic afferents by 41 %. Conversely, LA injection of 5-HT (40 ,g kg,1) did not stimulate any of seven ischaemically insensitive cardiac afferents, although this group of afferents consistently responded to bradykinin (3 ,g, LA). These data indicate that during myocardial ischaemia the activated platelets stimulate cardiac sympathetic afferents, at least in part, through a 5-HT3 receptor mechanism. [source] Activated platelets and coagulation in patients on haemodialysisBRITISH JOURNAL OF SURGERY (NOW INCLUDES EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGERY), Issue S1 2009J. A. Milburn No abstract is available for this article. [source] Vinculin is proteolyzed by calpain during platelet aggregation: 95 kDa cleavage fragment associates with the platelet cytoskeletonCYTOSKELETON, Issue 4 2004Katherine Serrano Abstract The focal adhesion protein vinculin contributes to cell attachment and spreading through strengthening of mechanical interactions between cell cytoskeletal proteins and surface membrane glycoproteins. To investigate whether vinculin proteolysis plays a role in the influence vinculin exerts on the cytoskeleton, we studied the fate of vinculin in activated and aggregating platelets by Western blot analysis of the platelet lysate and the cytoskeletal fractions of differentially activated platelets. Vinculin was proteolyzed into at least three fragments (the major one being ,95 kDa) within 5 min of platelet activation with thrombin or calcium ionophore. The 95 kDa vinculin fragment shifted cellular compartments from the membrane skeletal fraction to the cortical cytoskeletal fraction of lysed platelets in a platelet aggregation-dependent manner. Vinculin cleavage was inhibited by calpeptin and E64d, indicating that the enzyme responsible for vinculin proteolysis is calpain. These calpain inhibitors also inhibited the translocation of full-length vinculin to the cytoskeleton. We conclude that cleavage of vinculin and association of vinculin cleavage fragment(s) with the platelet cytoskeleton is an activation response that may be important in the cytoskeletal remodeling of aggregating platelets. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 58:242,252, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Increased circulating platelet,leukocyte aggregates in myeloproliferative disorders is correlated to previous thrombosis, platelet activation and platelet countEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HAEMATOLOGY, Issue 3 2001Morten Krogh Jensen Abstract: Platelet,leukocyte adhesion may occur as a consequence of platelet activation and possibly plays a key role in the deposition of activated platelets and fibrin in the thrombotic plug. The aim of the present study was to assess by whole blood flow cytometry the presence of circulating platelet,leukocyte aggregates (PLA) and the platelet,leukocyte response to platelet agonist stimulation (ADP and TRAP) in 50 patients with chronic myeloproliferative disorders (MPD) and 30 controls. PLA were identified as platelet,granulocyte/monocyte aggregates (PGMA), platelet,monocyte aggregates (PMA) and defined as the percentage of leukocytes coexpressing the platelet-specific marker glycoprotein Ib. Compared to controls the mean percentage of PGMA and PMA was increased in unstimulated whole blood from patients with MPD (7.98 vs. 1.76%; p<0.001 and 12.34 vs. 3.2%; p<0.001, respectively). The percentage of PGMA was correlated to the platelet count (r=0.46; p<0.001), percentage of P-selectin (r=0.69; p<0.001) and thrombospondin (r=0.58; p<0.001) positive platelets and platelet expression of GPIV (r=0.33; p=0.02). The mean percentage of PGMA and PMA was significantly increased in ADP-stimulated whole blood of patients (57.14 vs. 47.92%; p=0.009 and 54.91 vs. 45.89%; p<0.001, respectively). Compared to patients without a history of thrombosis, patients having experienced microvascular disturbances or a thrombotic event had a higher mean percentage of PGMA and PMA in non-stimulated whole blood (10.07 vs. 6.34%; p=0.025 and 14.81 vs. 10.48%; p=0.021, respectively) and a higher percentage of PGMA in ADP stimulated whole blood (64.32 vs. 51.50%; p<0.01). These data document an increased frequency of PLA in non-stimulated whole blood in MPD associated with a previous history of thrombosis or microvascular disturbances. [source] Elucidation of the molecular mechanism of platelet activation: Dense granule secretion is regulated by small guanosine triphosphate-binding protein Rab27 and its effector Munc13-4GERIATRICS & GERONTOLOGY INTERNATIONAL, Issue 4 2006Hisanori Horiuchi Cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial and cerebral infarction are common critical diseases occurring more frequently in the elderly. The trigger of the diseases is platelet activation following plaque rupture or erosion. Investigation of the molecular mechanism in platelet activation has been exclusively performed pharmacologically. We have succeeded in establishing the granule secretion and aggregation assays using permeabilized platelets. These systems enabled us to examine the molecular mechanism in platelet activation with molecular biological and biochemical methods. Using these assay systems, we have been investigating the molecular mechanism of platelet activation. With a support grant from the Novartis Foundation for Gerontological Research, we found several molecules involved in the regulation. In this report, I present the progress in the research of the granule secretion mechanism in activated platelets, which was reported in the Japanese Geriatric Society Meeting in 2005. [source] Thrombogenic and atherogenic activities of lysophosphatidic acidJOURNAL OF CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY, Issue 6 2004Wolfgang Siess Abstract Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) has been identified as a biologically active lipid in mildly-oxidized LDL, human atherosclerotic lesions, and the supernatant of activated platelets. The evidence that LPA has thrombogenic and atherogenic activities has increased substantially in recent years. Supporting the thrombogenic activity of LPA, analysis of the core region of human carotid plaques revealed recently the presence of alkyl- and acyl-molecular species from LPA with high platelet-activating potency (16:0 alkyl-LPA, 20:4 acyl-LPA). LPA, lipid extracts of atherosclerotic plaques, and the lipid-rich core elicited shape change and, in synergy with other platelet stimuli, aggregation of isolated platelets. This effect was completely abrogated by prior incubation of platelets with LPA receptor antagonists. Furthermore, LPA at concentrations approaching those found in vivo, induced platelet shape change, aggregation, and platelet-monocyte aggregate formation in blood. LPA-stimulated platelet aggregation was mediated by the ADP-stimulated activation of the P2Y1 and P2Y12 receptors. Supporting its atherogenic activity, LPA is a mitogen and motogen to vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and an activator of endothelial cells and macrophages. Recently, LPA has been identified as an agonist of the peroxisome proliferator activating receptor , (PPAR,), which is a key regulator of atherogenesis. LPA elicits progressive neointima formation, which is fully abolished by GW9662, an antagonist of PPAR,. We propose that LPA plays a central role in eliciting vascular remodeling and atherogenesis. Furthermore, upon rupture of lipid-rich atherosclerotic plaques, LPA may trigger platelet aggregation and intra-arterial thrombus formation. Antagonists of LPA receptors might be useful in preventing LPA-elicited thrombus formation and neointima formation in patients with cardiovascular diseases. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Platelet-rich plasma impairs osteoclast generation from human precursors of peripheral bloodJOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC RESEARCH, Issue 6 2010Elisabetta Cenni Abstract Platelet-rich plasma is used to accelerate bone repair for the release of osteogenic growth factors from activated platelets. To date, the effects on osteoclasts have been only scarcely investigated, even though these cells are crucial for bone remodeling. The aim of this research was the evaluation of the effects of thrombin-activated platelets (PRP) on osteoclastogenesis from human blood precursors. We evaluated both the ability to influence osteoclast differentiation induced by the receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (RANKL), and the ability to induce osteoclast differentiation without RANKL. In both assays, the incubation with PRP supernatant at 10% did not significantly affect the formation of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRACP)-positive multinucleated cells that were able to form the F-actin ring. However, when PRP at 25 and 50% was added to the medium without RANKL, the generation of TRACP-positive multinucleated cells was inhibited. PRP, even at 10%, reduced the osteoclast-mediated bone collagen degradation, suggesting inhibition of osteoclast activation. Similarly, after incubation with PRP supernatant, calcitonin receptor mRNA was lower than the untreated samples. In conclusion, PRP at 10% interfered with the complete differentiation process of human osteoclast precursors. At higher concentration it impaired osteoclast formation also at an early stage of differentiation. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 28:792,797, 2010 [source] Platelets are mitogenic for periosteum-derived cellsJOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC RESEARCH, Issue 5 2003Reinhard Gruber Abstract The early stages of bone regeneration are associated with a high mitogenic activity of periosteal cells. Here we addressed the question of whether platelets that accumulate within the developing haematoma can account for this tissue response. Addition of platelets, platelet-released supernatants, platelet membranes, and microparticles to bovine periosteum-derived cells resulted in an increase in 3H-thymidine incorporation; lipid extracts had no effect. Platelet-released supernatants retained their activity after incubation at 56°C, but not at 100°C. Gel chromatographic analysis revealed the highest mitogenic activity at approximately 35 kD. Of the factors released from activated platelets, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) increased 3H-thymidine incorporation. The mitogenic activity of platelet-released supernatants was decreased by anti-PDGF, and anti-bFGF antibodies. Platelet-released supernatants increased the number of proliferating periosteum-derived cells as determined by the expression pattern of Ki67. Platelet-released supernatants also resulted in a stimulation of cell proliferation in periosteal explants. These results suggest that platelets have the potential to stimulate the mitogenic response of the periosteum during bone repair. © 2003 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved. [source] Evaluation of platelet activation in canine immune-mediated haemolytic anaemiaJOURNAL OF SMALL ANIMAL PRACTICE, Issue 6 2010A. E. Ridyard Objectives: To establish whether heightened platelet activation is a common feature of canine immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia, and to evaluate the hypothesis that platelet activation plays a role in the pathogenesis of thromboembolism. Methods: Using whole-blood flow-cytometric analysis, the proportion of activated platelets and platelet-leucocyte aggregates in blood samples from 14 dogs with immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia and 14 healthy dogs was calculated. General linear models with binomial errors were used to compare groups. Results from the immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia-affected dogs were then correlated with established risk factors for thromboembolism in canine immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia, D-dimer concentration and antithrombin activity. Results: There was a strong correlation between platelet activation and severe thrombocytopenia, with heightened platelet activation being observed predominantly in severely thrombocytopenic dogs. Clinical Significance: Dogs with immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia, particularly those with concurrent severe thrombocytopenia, are likely to have heightened platelet activation, which may play a role in the pathogenesis of thromboembolism. [source] The effects of vasoactive agents, platelet agonists and anticoagulation on thrombelastographyACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 9 2007J. Kawasaki Background:, Platelet activation is a critical step in primary hemostasis and clot formation. We tested a hypothesis that platelet stimulating effects of vasoactive agents or platelet agonists could be shown using thrombelastography (TEG®) as faster onset or increased clot strength. We further examined if TEG® could be modified to evaluate activated platelets as a reversal of anticoagulation in the presence of partial thrombin inhibition. Methods:, Blood samples were obtained from 126 non-cardiac surgical patients. Effects of vasoactive agents on TEG® and aggregometry were examined using epinephrine, norepinephrine, vasopressin, desmopressin acetate, milrinone and olprinone (Experiment I). Platelet agonists (epinephrine, ADP and collagen) were separately tested on TEG® (Experiment II). Effects of platelet agonists (ADP and collagen) on TEG® under anticoagulation in the absence or presence of abciximab were studied (Experiment III). We also tested antiplatelet effects of milrinone and olprinone in the presence of anticoagulants on TEG® (Experiment IV). Results:, Neither vasoactive agents nor platelet agonists affected TEG® or aggregometry results except for milrinone and olprinone on aggregometry (Experiment I, II). Platelet agonists facilitated clotting in the presence of anticoagulants (Experiment III). Abciximab-treated platelets still exhibited procoagulant effects in the presence of heparin, while not in the presence of argatroban (Experiment III). Platelet inhibition on the modified TEG® was more extensive with milrinone than olprinone, and it was dose dependent (Experiment IV). Conclusion:, Modified TEG® using heparin or argatroban might delineate the procoagulant effects of platelets by adding platelet specific agonist. [source] Red cells playing as activated platelets in thalassemia intermediaJOURNAL OF THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS, Issue 10 2010P. M. MANNUCCI See also Taher AT, Musallam KM, Karimi M, El-Beshlawy A, Belhoul K, Daar S, Saned M, Cesaretti C, Cappellini MD. Splenectomy and thrombosis: the case of thalassemia intermedia. This issue, pp 2152,8. [source] Splenectomy and thrombosis: the case of thalassemia intermediaJOURNAL OF THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS, Issue 10 2010A. T. TAHER See also Mannucci PM. Red cells playing as activated platelets in thalassemia intermedia. This issue, pp 2149,51. Summary.,Background:,Hypercoagulability in splenectomized patients with thalassemia intermedia (TI) has been extensively evaluated. However, clinical and laboratory characteristics of patients who eventually develop overt thromboembolic events (TEE) are poorly studied. Patients/Methods:,Three Groups of TI patients (n = 73 each) were retrospectively identified from a registry involving six centers across the Middle East and Italy: Group I, all splenectomized patients with a documented TEE; Group II, age- and sex-matched splenectomized patients without TEE; and Group III, age- and sex-matched non-splenectomized patients without TEE. Retrieved data included demographics, laboratory parameters, clinical complications, and received treatments that may influence TEE development, and reflected the period prior to TEE occurrence in Group I. Results:,The mean age of Group I patients at development of TEE was 33.1 ± 11.7 years, with a male to female ratio of 33:40. TEE were predominantly venous (95%) while four patients (5%) had documented stroke. Among studied parameters, Group I patients were more likely to have a nucleated red blood cell (NRBC) count , 300 × 106 L,1, a platelet count , 500 × 109 L,1 and evidence of pulmonary hypertension (PHT), or be transfusion naïve. The median time to thrombosis following splenectomy was 8 years. Patients with an NRBC count , 300 × 106 L,1, a platelet count , 500 × 109 L,1, or who were transfusion naive also had a shorter time to thrombosis following splenectomy. Conclusion:,Splenectomized TI patients who will develop TEE may be identified early on by high NRBC and platelet counts, evidence of PHT, and transfusion naivety. [source] Complement activation triggered by chondroitin sulfate released by thrombin receptor-activated plateletsJOURNAL OF THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS, Issue 8 2008O. A. HAMAD Summary.,Background:,Chondroitin sulfate (CS) is a glycosaminoglycan released by activated platelets. Objective:,Here we test the hypothesis that CS released by activated platelets can trigger complement activation in the fluid phase. Methods and results:,Thrombin receptor-activating peptide (TRAP)-6 was used to activate platelets in platelet-rich plasma and blood, anticoagulated with the thrombin inhibitor lepirudin. TRAP activation induced fluid-phase complement activation, as reflected by the generation of C3a and sC5b-9, which could be attenuated by the C3 inhibitor compstatin. Chondroitinase ABC treatment of supernatants from activated platelets totally inhibited the activation, indicating that platelet-derived CS had initiated the complement activation. Furthermore, addition of purified CS to plasma strongly triggered complement activation. C1q was identified as the recognition molecule, as it bound directly to CS, and CS-triggered complement activation could be restored in C1q-depleted serum by adding purified C1q. TRAP activation of whole blood increased the expression of CD11b on leukocytes and generation of leukocyte,platelet complexes. It was demonstrated that these leukocyte functions were dependent on C3 activation and signaling via C5a, as this expression could be inhibited by compstatin and by a C5aR antagonist. Conclusions:,We conclude that platelets trigger complement activation in the fluid phase by releasing CS, which leads to inflammatory signals mediated by C5a. [source] Plasmodium falciparum- infected erythrocytes induce tissue factor expression in endothelial cells and support the assembly of multimolecular coagulation complexesJOURNAL OF THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS, Issue 1 2007I. M. B. FRANCISCHETTI Summary.,Background:,Plasmodium falciparum malaria infects 300,500 million people every year, causing 1,2 million deaths annually. Evidence of a coagulation disorder, activation of endothelial cells (EC) and increase in inflammatory cytokines are often present in malaria. Objectives:,We have asked whether interaction of parasitized red blood cells (pRBC) with EC induces tissue factor (TF) expression in vitro and in vivo. The role of phosphatidylserine-containing pRBC to support the assembly of blood coagulation complexes was also investigated. Results:,We demonstrate that mature forms of pRBC induce functional expression of TF by EC in vitro with productive assembly of the extrinsic Xnase complex and initiation of the coagulation cascade. Late-stage pRBC also support the prothrombinase and intrinsic Xnase complex formation in vitro, and may function as activated platelets in the amplification phase of the blood coagulation. Notably, post-mortem brain sections obtained from P. falciparum -infected children who died from cerebral malaria and other causes display a consistent staining for TF in the EC. Conclusions:,These findings place TF expression by endothelium and the amplification of the coagulation cascade by pRBC and/or activated platelets as potentially critical steps in the pathogenesis of malaria. Furthermore, it may allow investigators to test other therapeutic alternatives targeting TF or modulators of EC function in the treatment of malaria and/or its complications. [source] Distribution and dynamic changes of sphingolipids in blood in response to platelet activationJOURNAL OF THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS, Issue 12 2006F. DAHM Summary.,Background:,Sphingolipids are signaling molecules in a range of biological processes. While sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is thought to be abundantly stored in platelets and released upon stimulation, knowledge about the distribution and function of other sphingolipids in blood is lacking. Objectives:,To analyze the sphingolipid content of blood components with special emphasis on dynamic changes in platelets. Methods:,Blood components from mice and humans were prepared by gradient centrifugation and analyzed by liquid chromatography,mass spectrometry. Additionally, murine platelets were activated in vitro and in vivo. Results:,Isolated non-activated platelets of mice were devoid of S1P, but instead contained dihydrosphingosine-1-phosphate (dhS1P), along with a high concentration of ceramide. Activation of platelets in vitro led to a loss of dhS1P and an increase in sphingosine, accompanied by a reduction of ceramide content. Platelet activation in vivo led to an immediate and continuous rise of dhS1P in plasma, while S1P remained stable. The sphingolipid distribution of human blood was markedly different from mice. Human platelets contained dhS1P in addition to S1P. Conclusions:,Mouse platelets contain dhS1P instead of S1P. Platelet activation causes loss of dhS1P and breakdown of ceramide, implying ceramidase activation. Release of dhS1P from activated platelets might be a novel signaling pathway. Finally, the sphingolipid composition of mouse and human blood shows large differences, which must be considered when studying sphingolipid biology. [source] Critical role of ADP interaction with P2Y12 receptor in the maintenance of ,IIb,3 activation: association with Rap1B activationJOURNAL OF THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS, Issue 6 2006T. KAMAE Summary.,Objective:,Platelet integrin ,IIb,3 plays a crucial role in platelet aggregation, and the affinity of ,IIb,3 for fibrinogen is dynamically regulated. Employing modified ligand-binding assays, we analyzed the mechanism by which ,IIb,3 maintains its high-affinity state. Methods and results:,Washed platelets adjusted to 50 × 103 ,L,1 were stimulated with 0.2 U mL,1 thrombin or 5 ,m U46619 under static conditions. After the completion of ,IIb,3 activation and granule secretion, different kinds of antagonists were added to the activated platelets. The activated ,IIb,3 was then detected by fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled PAC1. The addition of 1 ,m AR-C69931MX (a P2Y12 antagonist) or 1 mm A3P5P (a P2Y1 antagonist) disrupted the sustained ,IIb,3 activation by ,92% and ,38%, respectively, without inhibiting CD62P or CD63 expression. Dilution of the platelet preparation to 500 ,L,1 also disrupted the sustained ,IIb,3 activation, and the disruption by such dilution was abrogated by the addition of exogenous adenosine 5,-diphosphate (ADP) in a dose-dependent fashion. The amounts of ADP released from activated platelets determined by high-performance liquid chromatography were compatible with the amounts of exogenous ADP required for the restoration. We next examined the effects of antagonists on protein kinase C (PKC) and Rap1B activation induced by 0.2 U mL,1 thrombin. Thrombin induced long-lasting PKC and Rap1B activation. AR-C69931MX markedly inhibited Rap1B activation without inhibiting PKC activation. Conclusions:,Our data indicate that the continuous interaction between released ADP and P2Y12 is critical for the maintenance of ,IIb,3 activation. [source] Lipid rafts are required in G,i signaling downstream of the P2Y12 receptor during ADP-mediated platelet activationJOURNAL OF THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS, Issue 5 2005T. M. QUINTON Summary., ADP is important in propagating hemostasis upon its secretion from activated platelets in response to other agonists. Lipid rafts are microdomains within the plasma membrane that are rich in cholesterol and sphingolipids, and have been implicated in the stimulatory mechanisms of platelet agonists. We sought to determine the importance of lipid rafts in ADP-mediated platelet activation via the G protein-coupled P2Y1 and P2Y12 receptors using lipid raft disruption by cholesterol depletion with methyl- , -cyclodextrin. Stimulation of cholesterol-depleted platelets with ADP resulted in a reduction in the extent of aggregation but no difference in the extent of shape change or intracellular calcium release. Furthermore, repletion of cholesterol to previously depleted membranes restored ADP-mediated platelet aggregation. In addition, P2Y12-mediated inhibition of cAMP formation was significantly decreased upon cholesterol depletion from platelets. Stimulation of cholesterol-depleted platelets with agonists that depend upon G,i activation for full activation displayed significant loss of aggregation and secretion, but showed restoration when simultaneously stimulated with the G,z -coupled agonist epinephrine. Finally, G,i preferentially localizes to lipid rafts as determined by sucrose density centrifugation. We conclude that G,i signaling downstream of P2Y12 activation, but not G,q or G,z signaling downstream of P2Y1 or ,2A activation, respectively, has a requirement for lipid rafts that is necessary for its function in ADP-mediated platelet activation. [source] Factor VIIa-mediated tenase function on activated platelets under flowJOURNAL OF THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS, Issue 8 2004M. S. Goel Summary.,Background: Tissue factor (TF) and/or active factor (F)VIIa may be stored inside resting platelets. Objectives: The objective of this study was to examine if platelets, following activation of GPVI, could support tenase and prothrombinase activity without any exogenously added tissue factor. Methods: Thrombin (IIa) formation on gel-filtered platelets with added factors or the clotting of platelet-free plasma (PFP) or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) supplemented with corn trypsin inhibitor (CTI) (to inhibit factor XIIa) was studied in well plate assays with a fluorogenic thrombin substrate or in flow assays by fibrin visualization. Results: Pretreatment of convulxin (CVX)-stimulated, fibrinogen-adherent, gel-filtered platelets with anti-TF, anti-FVII/VIIa, or 1 nm PPACK [inhibitor of FVIIa, factor XIa and factor (F)IIa] delayed fibrin deposition on platelets perfused with PFP/CTI at 62.5 s,1. Anti-TF or anti-FVII/VIIa also attenuated thrombin generation in plate assays using recalcified PRP/CTI treated with CVX. Anti-TF or anti-FVII/VIIa (but not inhibited factor IXa) delayed the burst in thrombin production by gel-filtered platelets suspended in prothrombin and CVX by 14 min and 40 min, respectively. Anti-FVII/VIIa completely eliminated thrombin generation on fibrinogen-adherent, gel-filtered platelets pretreated with 10 µm PPACK and 10 µm EGR-CK [inhibitor of factor (F)Xa], rinsed, and then supplemented with CVX, prothrombin, and FX. Addition of anionic phospholipid to PFP/CTI or to a mixture of prothrombin, FX, and recVIIa was not sufficient to generate detectable tenase activity. Lastly, isolated, unactivated neutrophils suspended in FX, FII and recVIIa supported a very low level of thrombin generation sensitive to antagonism of P-selectin, CD18, and TF. Conclusions: Activated platelets supported tenase and prothrombinase activity by elevating the function or level of FVIIa and exposing active FVIIa or FVIIa-cofactor(s), distinct from anionic lipid, that may be, in part, TF. [source] Rho A participates in the regulation of phosphatidylserine-dependent procoagulant activity at the surface of megakaryocytic cellsJOURNAL OF THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS, Issue 4 2004C. Kunzelmann Summary. Once exposed at the external surface of activated platelets or apoptotic cells, phosphatidylserine, an anionic phospholipid mostly sequestered in the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane, plays essential roles in hemostasis and phagocytosis. The mechanism governing the migration of the phosphatidylserine to the exoplasmic leaflet is not yet fully understood. We have proposed that store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) constitutes a key step of this process. ERK pathway is among the elements modulating SOCE and phosphatidylserine externalization in megakaryocytic HEL cells. Here, we investigated the role of small GTPase Rho A, which may interact with the ERK pathway. Specific inhibitors of Rho A (exoenzyme C3 and toxin B) reduced both SOCE and phosphatidylserine-dependent procoagulant activity. Simultaneous inhibition of Rho A and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathways did not elicit further reduction with respect to each individual one. Rho A can regulate SOCE and phosphatidylserine exposure through the reorganization of actin cytoskeleton, but not through ROCK pathway. Hence, Rho A is another regulatory element for the completion of SOCE-induced phosphatidylserine transmembrane redistribution in HEL cells. [source] Initiating and potentiating role of platelets in tissue factor-induced thrombin generation in the presence of plasma: subject-dependent variation in thrombogram characteristicsJOURNAL OF THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS, Issue 3 2004K. Vanschoonbeek Summary., The hemostatic activity of plasma is determined by platelet activation and coagulation, which processes are mutually stimulatory. We studied this interaction by measuring the cleavage of fluorescent thrombin substrate in platelet-rich plasma (PRP), using the calibrated thrombogram method. In freshly isolated human plasma, thrombin formation triggered by tissue factor was fully dependent on the presence of platelets. It was abolished by annexin A5, indicating dependence on phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure at activated platelets. Comparison of plasmas from various subjects showed considerable interindividual variation in total amount of thrombin generation, regardless of whether platelets or PS-containing phospholipids were present. Integrin ,IIb,3 antagonists and ADP receptor blockage, but not aspirin, decreased the rate of thrombin generation (thrombin peak level) and extended the time of onset. Platelet inhibition with cAMP-elevating agents decreased the thrombin-forming rate, but surprisingly shortened the onset time. Stimulation of platelets with agonists of Gi/q-coupled receptors and, to a larger extent, with collagen or Ca2+ -ionophore increased the rate of thrombin generation and shortened its onset. In PRP from donors with low and high generation, platelet inhibitors and activators were similarly effective. Taken together, these results indicate that, in tissue factor-triggered PRP, PS exposure on activated platelets regulates both onset and rate of thrombin generation. However, coagulant activity rather than platelet activation determines the total amount of thrombin formed, i.e. the endogenous thrombin potential. Thus, kinetics of thrombin generation in PRP are controlled by platelet inhibitors and agonists, but the process is restricted in amount by the subject-dependent variation in coagulation. [source] Platelet Recruitment in the Murine Hepatic Microvasculature During Experimental Sepsis: Role of NeutrophilsMICROCIRCULATION, Issue 2 2006GEORG SINGER ABSTRACT Objectives: Sepsis is a major clinical problem that often results in the dysfunction or failure of multiple organs, including the liver. While inflammatory cell activation has been implicated as an early critical event in sepsis-induced liver dysfunction, there is growing evidence for the involvement of activated platelets in this pathologic process. Methods: Intravital microscopy was used in this study to assess the magnitude and time course of platelet adhesion in the liver microcirculation during experimental sepsis and to determine whether the platelet accumulation is linked to leukocyte infiltration. The adhesion of platelets and leukocytes in terminal hepatic venules (THV) and sinusoids was quantified at 2, 4, and 6 h after abdominal sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Results: While the rolling and firm adhesion of platelets and leukocytes in THV were not altered in the first 2 h after CLP, platelet recruitment was observed at 4 h and further elevated at 6 h after CLP. Leukocyte adhesion in THV exhibited a similar time course. A similar accumulation of blood cells in sinusoids was noted after CLP. This was accompanied by an increased number of nonperfused sinusoids. CLP-induced leukocyte and platelet recruitment in THV and sinusoids was attenuated in mice rendered neutropenic with anti-neutrophil serum. Conclusion: These findings indicate that sepsis is associated with a neutrophil-dependent recruitment of platelets in the liver microcirculation that impairs sinusoidal perfusion and may contribute to the liver dysfunction associated with sepsis. [source] Activated platelets contribute to stimulation of cardiac afferents during ischaemia in cats: role of 5-HT3 receptorsTHE JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 3 2002Liang-Wu Fu Myocardial ischaemia activates blood platelets and cardiac sympathetic afferents, which mediate chest pain and cardiovascular reflex responses. We have demonstrated that activated platelets stimulate ischaemically sensitive cardiac sympathetic afferents. Platelets absorb and release 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) when they are activated. In the present study we hypothesized that, by releasing 5-HT, activated platelets stimulate cardiac afferents during ischaemia through a 5-HT3 receptor mechanism. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-poor plasma (PPP) were obtained from cats. Activation of platelets in PRP was induced by thrombin (5 units ml,1) or collagen (2 mg kg,1). Using high-performance liquid chromatography, we observed that the concentration of 5-HT was increased significantly in suspensions of platelets activated with thrombin (PRP+thrombin, 28 ± 1.7 ,m) or collagen (PRP+collagen, 27 ± 2.5 ,m) compared with suspensions of unactivated platelets (PRP+saline, 2.3 ± 0.8 ,m) and PPP. During myocardial ischaemia and reperfusion, tirofiban, a specific inhibitor of platelet glycoprotein (GP) IIb-IIIa receptors (100 ,g kg,1, I.V., followed by 5 ,g kg,1 min,1), significantly reduced the increase in the concentration of 5-HT in cardiac venous plasma from ischaemic region. Nerve activity of single-unit cardiac afferents was recorded from the left sympathetic chain (T2-T5) in anaesthetized cats. Eighty ischaemically sensitive and seven ischaemically insensitive cardiac afferents were identified. Tirofiban reduced the ischaemia-related increase in activity of seven cardiac sympathetic afferents by 50 %. Injection of 1.5 ml of PRP+collagen or PRP+thrombin into the left atrium (LA) increased activity of 16 cardiac afferents. Tropisetron (300 ,g kg,1, I.V.), a selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, eliminated the afferent's responses to platelets activated with collagen or thrombin. Moreover, LA injection of 5-HT (20-40 ,g kg,1) and PBG (100 ,g kg,1), a 5-HT3 receptor agonist, stimulated nine ischaemically sensitive cardiac sympathetic afferents, significantly increasing the activity of these afferents. However, injection of ,-M-5-HT (100 ,g kg,1, LA), a 5-HT2 receptor agonist, stimulated only two of the nine ischaemically sensitive cardiac afferents, and thus did not significantly alter impulse activity of this group of afferents. Both the 5-HT1 (5-CT, 100 ,g kg,1, LA) and 5-HT4 receptor agonists (SC53116, 100 ,g kg,1, LA) did not stimulate any of the nine afferents tested. Tropisetron (300 ,g kg,1, I.V.) also eliminated the response of seven ischaemically sensitive cardiac afferents to exogenous 5-HT and attenuated the ischaemia-related increase in activity of nine cardiac sympathetic afferents by 41 %. Conversely, LA injection of 5-HT (40 ,g kg,1) did not stimulate any of seven ischaemically insensitive cardiac afferents, although this group of afferents consistently responded to bradykinin (3 ,g, LA). These data indicate that during myocardial ischaemia the activated platelets stimulate cardiac sympathetic afferents, at least in part, through a 5-HT3 receptor mechanism. [source] Membrane type-1 matrix metalloproteinase stimulates tumour cell-induced platelet aggregation: role of receptor glycoproteinsBRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 2 2004David Alonso-Escolano Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) plays a role in agonist- and tumour cell-induced platelet aggregation (TCIPA). MMP-2 is synthesized as a proenzyme and is activated at the cell surface by membrane type-1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP, MMP-14). The significance of tumour cell-associated MT1-MMP for TCIPA was investigated using human breast carcinoma MCF7 cells stably coexpressing the integrin ,v,3 with MT1-MMP, cells expressing ,v,3 alone and mock-transfected cells. Western blot and zymography confirmed that ,v,3/MT1-MMP cells expressed MT1-MMP and efficiently processed proMMP-2 to MMP-2. Aggregometry, phase-contrast and transmission electron microscopy and flow cytometry were used to characterize TCIPA induced by MCF7 cell lines. The aggregating potency of cells was: ,v,3/MT1-MMP >,v,3=mock cells, as shown by aggregometry and phase-contrast microscopy. Electron microscopy revealed close, membrane,membrane interactions between activated platelets and ,v,3/MT1-MMP cells during TCIPA. Inhibition of MMP-2 with the neutralizing anti-MMP-2 antibody (5 ,g ml,1) and o -phenanthroline (100 ,M) reduced aggregation induced by ,v,3/MT1-MMP cells. TCIPA induced by ,v,3/MT1-MMP cells was also reduced by inhibiting the generation and actions of ADP with apyrase (250 ,g ml,1) and 2-methylthio-AMP (2-MeSAMP) (30 ,M), but not N6 -methyl-2,-deoxyadenosine-3,,5,-bisphosphate (MRS2179) (30 ,M). Flow cytometry demonstrated that TCIPA enhanced expression of glycoprotein (GP) Ib and IIb/IIIa receptors not only on platelets but also on breast cancer cells. Thus, (a) human breast carcinoma cell surface-associated MT1-MMP, via activating proMMP-2, stimulates TCIPA; (b) ADP amplifies the effects of MMPs via stimulation of P2Y12 receptors and (c) both tumour- and platelet-derived GPIb and GPIIb/IIIa are involved in the aggregatory effects of MT1-MMP. British Journal of Pharmacology (2004) 141, 241,252. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705606 [source] |