In vitro and in vivo evidence for shear-induced activation of latent transforming growth factor-beta1

Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) has potent physiologic and pathologic effects on a variety of cell types at subnanomolar concentrations. Platelets contain 40 times as much TGF-beta1 as other cells and secrete it as an inactive (latent) form in complex with latency-associated peptide (LAP), which is disulfide bonded via Cys33 to latent TGF-beta binding protein 1 (LTBP-1). Little is known about how latent TGF-beta1 becomes activated in vivo. Here we show that TGF-beta1 released from platelets or fibroblasts undergoes dramatic activation when subjected to stirring or shear forces, providing a potential mechanism for physiologic control. Thiol-disulfide exchange appears to contribute to the process based on the effects of thiol-reactive reagents and differences in thiol labeling of TGF-beta1 before and after stirring or shear. Activation required the presence of LTBP, as TGF-beta1 contained in complex with only LAP could not be activated by stirring when studied as either a recombinant purified protein complex or in the platelet releasates or sera of mice engineered to contain an LAP C33S mutation. Release and activation of latent TGF-beta1 in vivo was demonstrated in a mouse model 5 minutes after thrombus formation. These data potentially provide a novel mechanism for in vivo activation of TGF-beta1.     

Generation and role of angiostatin in human platelets

Platelets regulate new blood vessel growth, because they contain a number of angiogenesis promoters and inhibitors. Additionally, platelets contain matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which when released mediate platelet adhesion and aggregation, and plasminogen, a fibrinolytic system enzyme that serves to limit blood clot formation. Enzymatic cleavage of plasminogen by MMPs generates angiostatin, an angiogenesis inhibitor. Therefore, we examined whether platelets generate angiostatin during aggregation in vitro. Platelets were isolated from healthy human donors and then aggregated with collagen, thrombin, or HT-1080 fibrosarcoma cells. Angiostatin was detected by Western blot analysis in the platelet releasates of all blood donors irrespective of the aggregating agent used. Platelet pellet homogenates showed the presence of angiostatin in all donors, which was released upon aggregation. Furthermore, platelet-derived angiostatin was isolated and purified by lysine-Sepharose affinity chromatography from collagen-aggregated platelet releasates. Bioassay of platelet-derived angiostatin showed that it inhibited the formation of capillary structures by human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUV-EC-Cs) in an in vitro angiogenesis model. Inhibition of angiostatin in platelet releasates promoted the formation of capillary structures by HUV-EC-Cs. We conclude that healthy human platelets contain angiostatin, which is released in active form during platelet aggregation, and platelet-derived angiostatin has the capacity to inhibit angiogenesis.     

Platelet-CD40 ligand interaction with melanoma cell and monocyte CD40 enhances cellular procoagulant activity.

Platelet-tumor cell interactions are believed to be important in tumor metastasis. Tumor cell tissue factor (TF) expression enhances metastasis and angiogenesis, and is primarily responsible for tumor-induced thrombin generation and the formation of tumor cell-platelet aggregates. Activated platelets express and release CD40 ligand (CD40L), which induces endothelial TF expression by ligation to CD40. We investigated the effect of platelet-derived CD40L on the TF activity of human CD40-positive melanoma cells and monocytes by incubating supernatants from activated or resting platelets with tumor cells or monocytes, and by bringing resting or activated platelets into close apposition with tumor cell monolayers. CD40L was present on the surface of activated (but not resting) platelets and was also released following platelet activation. Both recombinant soluble CD40L (rsCD40L) and activated platelet supernatants increased procoagulant activity (PCA) and TF antigen in tumor cells and monocytes. The increase in TF activity induced by both rsCD40L and activated platelet supernatants was inhibited by anti-CD40L antibody. Furthermore, contact of activated platelets with tumor cells increased cellular PCA, and this effect was also inhibited by anti-CD40L. In malignancy, the increase in cellular TF activity via CD40 (tumor cell)-CD40L (platelet) interaction may possibly enhance intravascular coagulation and hematogenous metastasis.     

Activated platelets and leucocytes cooperatively stimulate smooth muscle cell proliferation and proto-oncogene expression via release of soluble growth factors.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies indicate that platelets and leucocytes might contribute to the development of neointimal hyperplasia following arterial injury. The present study was aimed at further investigating the role of platelets and leucocytes, alone or in combination, in promoting vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation in vitro, focusing on the relative contribution of different soluble growth factors released by these cells, and on the ability to induce proto-oncogene expression, such as c-fos. METHODS: SMCs from rabbit aortas, made quiescent by serum deprivation, were stimulated with either activated platelets, leucocytes, or both, separated from SMCs by a membrane insert. SMC proliferation was evaluated by measuring the incorporation of 3H-thymidine. The relative contribution of different platelet-derived mediators to SMC growth was evaluated by adding either ketanserin, a 5-HT2 receptor antagonist, R68070, a TxA2 receptor antagonist, BN52021, a platelet activating factor (PAF) receptor antagonist, and trapidil, a platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor antagonist. The role of different leucocyte sub-populations (neutrophils and monocytes + lymphocytes) was also determined in additional experiments. RESULTS: SMC proliferation was significantly increased by activated platelets to 360 +/- 9% of control values (P < 0.05). This effect was reduced by ketanserin, R68070, BN 52021 or trapidil. Whole leucocytes, neutrophils or lymphocytes + monocytes also increased SMC proliferation with respect to control experiments. Simultaneous stimulation of SMCs by platelets and whole leucocytes was associated with a significant greater increase in SMC proliferation as compared to SMC stimulated with platelets or leucocytes alone. c-fos expression, almost undetectable in unstimulated SMCs, was markedly increased by activated platelets or leucocytes. CONCLUSIONS: Activated platelets promote SMC proliferation in vitro via release of soluble mediators, including serotonin, thromboxane A2 PAF and PDGF; activated leucocytes also induce a significant SMC proliferation and exert an additive effect when activated together with platelets; SMCs stimulated with activated platelets and leucocytes show an early expression of the proto-oncogene c-fos.     

Dynamics of leukocyte-platelet adhesion in whole blood.

The dynamics of leukocyte-platelet adhesion and platelet-platelet interaction in whole blood are not well understood. Using different platelet agonists, we have studied the whole blood kinetics of these heterotypic and homotypic interactions, the relative abilities of different leukocyte subsets to participate in platelet adhesion, and the ligands responsible for adhesion. When platelet aggregation was inhibited by the Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser (RGDS) peptide, thrombin stimulation of whole blood resulted in platelet expression of granule membrane protein 140 (GMP-140) and, simultaneously, a marked increase in the percentage of monocytes and neutrophils (PMN) binding platelets, as well as an increase in the number of platelets bound per monocyte and PMN. Lymphocytes were unaffected. Monocytes bound more platelets and at an initially faster rate than PMN. This increase in monocyte and PMN adhesion to platelets was completely inhibited by the blocking monoclonal antibody (MoAb), G1, to GMP-140. When the combination of epinephrine and adenosine diphosphate (epi/ADP) was used as a less potent agonist in the presence of RGDS, GMP-140 expression per platelet was less, and while monocyte-platelet conjugates formed, PMN-platelet conjugates did not. With epi/ADP in the absence of RGDS, there was an immediate, marked decrease in the percentage of all leukocytes with bound platelets, simultaneous with an increase in the percentage of unbound platelet aggregates. As these platelet aggregates dissociated, the percentage of monocytes and PMN with adherent platelets increased, with monocytes again binding at a faster initial rate than PMN. This recovery of monocyte and PMN adhesion to platelets was also inhibited by the G1 MoAb. We conclude that: (1) monocytes and PMN bind activated platelets in whole blood through GMP-140; (2) monocytes have a competitive advantage over PMN in binding activated platelets, particularly when less potent platelet agonists are used; and (3) platelet aggregate formation initially competes unactivated platelets off leukocytes; subsequent aggregate dissociation allows the now activated platelets to readhere to monocytes and PMN through GMP-140. These studies further elucidate the dynamic interaction of blood cells and possible links between coagulative and inflammatory processes.     

Platelets stimulate endothelial cells to synthesize type 1 plasminogen activator inhibitor. Evaluation of the role of transforming growth factor beta.

A model system consisting of thrombin-stimulated bovine platelet releasates (PRthr) and bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEs) was developed to determine if the interaction between platelets and endothelial cells regulates fibrinolysis. Zymographic analysis indicated that PRthr treatment of BAEs decreases urokinase and increases type 1 plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) activity. Although PRthr did not affect the overall rate of BAE protein synthesis, it increased PAI-1 biosynthesis within 6 hours. This increase was complete by 12 hours, with maximum stimulation at 10 to 15 micrograms/mL PRthr (1 microgram approximately 10(7) platelets). Neutralizing antibodies to transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta) reduced this effect by 75%. Treatments that activate latent TGF beta (eg, acidification or plasmin) increased this effect approximately fivefold, suggesting that TGF beta in PRthr exists in both a latent (approximately 80%) and an active (approximately 20%) form. In contrast to PRthr, adenosine diphosphate-prepared platelet releasates did not increase PAI-1 synthesis before acidification, indicating that they contain only the latent form of TGF beta. These results suggest that platelets can modulate the fibrinolytic system of the endothelium through the release of TGF beta, and that the mechanism by which the platelets are activated can influence the relative amount of active TGF beta.     

Indobufen inhibits tissue factor in human monocytes through a thromboxane-mediated mechanism

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether indobufen, a reversible inhibitor of platelet cyclooxygenase (Cox) activity, affects tissue factor (TF) in human monocytes and to investigate the relationship between Cox-derived products and TF. METHODS: TF was evaluated in isolated adherent monocytes, both resting and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated, in terms of procoagulant activity, protein, and mRNA levels. The expression of TF surface antigen was determined in LPS-stimulated whole blood monocytes by flow cytometry. The levels of the stable thromboxane A2 (TxA2) metabolite, TxB2, and of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were measured in monocyte supernatant by immunoenzymatic techniques. Cox-1 and Cox-2 protein level, tyrosine phosphorylation, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAP-kinase) activation were determined by Western blot analysis. RESULTS: Indobufen prevents TF expression and activity both in isolated and in whole blood monocytes. Reduction of TxA2 synthesis, coupled with a lack of effect on PGE2 levels and prevention of ERK1/2 phosphorylation are highlighted as the mechanisms through which indobufen negatively affects TF. CONCLUSIONS: Data show that indobufen down-regulates TF in monocytes. This novel activity, coupled with the antiplatelet effect of the drug, may add benefit for its use in the management of atherothrombosis.     

Platelet-erythrocyte interactions enhance alpha(IIb)beta(3) integrin receptor activation and P-selectin expression during platelet recruitment: down-regulation by aspirin ex vivo

Activated platelets release biologically active compounds, which then recruit additional platelets into an evolving thrombus. We studied activation of alpha(IIb)beta(3) and exposure of P-selectin on platelets recruited by releasates obtained from collagen-treated platelets and evaluated modifications in prothrombotic effects of releasates induced by platelet-erythrocyte interactions and aspirin treatment. Releasates from collagen-stimulated platelets induced alpha(IIb)beta(3) activation and P-selectin exposure (monitored by flow cytometry using fluorescein isothiocyanate-PAC-1 and phycoerythrin-CD62 antibodies). These responses were markedly amplified by releasates from combined platelet-erythrocyte suspensions. This finding demonstrates a novel mechanism(s) by which erythrocytes intensify platelet aggregability and mediate increased platelet recruitment. Because P-selectin and alpha(IIb)beta(3) are potential sites for platelet-leukocyte interactions, erythrocytes may also modulate leukocyte recruitment. Following aspirin ingestion both the recruiting capacity of platelet releasates and erythrocyte-induced amplification of platelet recruitment were down-regulated. These events represent an additional antithrombotic property of aspirin. We also examined the possibility that arachidonic acid, or eicosanoids derived therefrom, can induce a prothrombotic activity of erythrocytes. The TXA(2)-analog U46 619 and free arachidonate, but not PGI(2) or 12-HETE, induced increases in cytosolic Ca(++) and promoted phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure on a subpopulation of erythrocytes. PS exposure and increases in erythrocyte [Ca(++)](i) are associated with enhanced procoagulant activity, increased endothelial adhesion, and reduced erythrocyte deformability. Our findings, therefore, suggest that TXA(2) and arachidonic acid, derived from activated platelets, induce a prothrombotic phenotype on erythrocytes in proximity. We conclude that by these mechanisms, erythrocytes can actively contribute to platelet-driven thrombogenesis and microvascular occlusion.     

Platelets inhibit the induction of nitric oxide synthesis by interleukin-1 beta in vascular smooth muscle cells

We have investigated the role of platelets in regulating the hemostatic and vasomotor properties of vascular smooth muscle. Experiments were performed to examine the effect of the releasate from activated platelets on the production of nitric oxide from interleukin-1 beta (IL- 1 beta)-treated cultured rat aortic smooth muscle cells. Treatment of vascular smooth muscle cells with IL-1 beta resulted in significant accumulation of nitrite in the culture media and in marked elevation of intracellular cyclic guanosine monophosphate (GMP) levels. The releasate from collagen-aggregated platelets blocked the IL-1 beta- mediated production of nitrite and the accumulation of cyclic GMP in smooth muscle cells in a platelet number-dependent manner. In functional assays, the perfusates from columns containing IL-1 beta- treated smooth muscle cells relaxed detector blood vessels without endothelium and the addition of IL-1 beta-treated smooth muscle cells to suspensions of platelets inhibited their thrombin-induced aggregation. The simultaneous treatment of smooth muscle cells with IL- 1 beta and the platelet releasate abolished both the vasorelaxing activities of the perfusates and the inhibition of platelet aggregation. Platelet releasates treated with a neutralizing antibody to platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) failed to block IL-1 beta- induced nitric oxide production by the smooth muscle cells, as measured by both biochemical and functional assays. The platelet releasate from a patient with gray platelet syndrome likewise failed to block IL-1 beta-induced nitrite release by smooth muscle cells. These results demonstrate that platelets downregulate the production of nitric oxide by IL-1 beta-treated vascular smooth muscle cells through the release of PDGF. This effect may represent a novel mechanism by which platelets regulate vasomotor tone and thrombus formation at sites of vascular injury.     

DDAVP enhances the ability of blood monocytes to form rosettes with activated platelets by increasing the expression of P-selectin sialylated ligands on the monocyte surface

The mechanism through which DDAVP (1-deamino-8-d-arginine vasopressin) promotes blood coagulation is not completely understood. As blood monocytes have been identified as a target for DDAVP, we investigated whether this drug increased monocyte adhesion to activated platelets, which would result in the close intercellular contact that is necessary for a juxtacrine effect on platelets and/or endothelium at sites of vascular injury. Monolayers of non-confluent monocytes adhered to glass slides were incubated with thrombin-activated, formaldehyde-fixed platelets before and after the adherent monocytes were stimulated with DDAVP or n-formyl-methyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP). The number of platelets involved in rosettes with monocytes was quantified, and the effect of DDAVP or fMLP on the monocyte surface expression of P-selectin ligands and CD11b/CD18 was assessed. DDAVP or fMLP increased the number of activated platelets involved in rosettes with monocytes by 2.8- and 4.9-fold respectively. EDTA and inhibitors of the P-selectin/counter-receptor interaction decreased the platelet numbers in rosettes by 80-90%, whereas inhibitors of the integrin-mediated adhesion reduced rosettes by 40-50%. Blocking the P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) with the monoclonal antibody, Pl-1, decreased the platelet numbers in rosettes by only 50%. In contrast, surface expression of the sialylated ligands of P-selectin and, to a lesser extent, of CD11b/CD18 increased upon monocyte activation with DDAVP or fMLP, whereas it decreased slightly with PSGL-1. These results indicate that DDAVP enhanced the ability of blood monocytes to bind activated platelets, mainly by increasing the expression of P-selectin sialylated ligands on the monocyte surface. A similar effect was achieved with fMLP.     

Extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (CD147) is a novel receptor on platelets, activates platelets, and augments nuclear factor kappaB-dependent inflammation in monocytes

In atherosclerosis, circulating platelets interact with endothelial cells and monocytes, leading to cell activation and enhanced recruitment of leukocytes into the vascular wall. The invasion of monocytes is accompanied by overexpression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which are thought to promote atherosclerosis and trigger plaque rupture. Following interaction with itself, the extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) induces MMP synthesis via a little-known intracellular pathway. Recently, we showed upregulation of EMMPRIN on monocytes during acute myocardial infarction. EMMPRIN also stimulates secretion of MMP-9 by monocytes and of MMP-2 by smooth muscle cells, indicating that it may be an important regulator of MMP activity. Expression of EMMPRIN on platelets has not been described until now. Here, we demonstrate that resting platelets show low surface expression of EMMPRIN, which is upregulated by various platelet stimulators (flow cytometry). EMMPRIN is located in the open canalicular system and in alpha granules of platelets (according to electron microscopy and sucrose gradient ultracentrifugation). Platelet stimulation with recombinant EMMPRIN-Fc induced surface expression of CD40L and P-selectin (according to flow cytometry), suggesting that EMMPRIN-EMMPRIN interaction activates platelets. Coincubation of platelets with monocytes induced EMMPRIN-mediated nuclear factor kappaB activation (according to Western blot) in monocytes with increased MMP-9 (zymography), interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha secretion (according to ELISA) by monocytes. In conclusion, EMMPRIN displays a new platelet receptor that is upregulated on activated platelets. Binding of EMMPRIN to platelets fosters platelet degranulation. Platelet-monocyte interactions via EMMPRIN stimulate nuclear factor kappaB-driven inflammatory pathways in monocytes, such as MMP and cytokine induction. Thus, EMMPRIN may represent a novel target to diminish the burden of protease activity and inflammation in atherosclerosis.     

P-selectin-dependent monocyte recruitment through platelet interaction in intestinal microvessels of LPS-treated mice

Background: Although platelets or monocytes are thought to be involved in intestinal inflammation, there has been no report on whether platelets can modulate monocyte recruitment in intestinal microvessels. The objective of this study was to determine whether blockade of platelet adhesion attenuates monocyte recruitment in inflamed murine intestinal microvessels. Methods: Monocytes and platelet‐rich plasma were obtained from C57B6/J mice. Interaction of monocytes and platelets with intestinal microvessels was observed under an intravital microscope. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was administered intraperitoneally. The effects of anti‐P‐selectin or anti‐platelets antibody treatments or phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors (PDE‐3 and PDE‐2/4 inhibitor) treatments were also studied. Results: LPS‐treatment increased the rolling and adhesion of both platelets and monocytes. Pretreatment with an anti‐P‐selectin antibody inhibited the increased platelet adhesion to venular walls and also attenuated the monocyte adhesion. A PDE‐2/4 inhibitor (ibuzilast) also ameliorated both platelet and monocyte adhesion. A PDE‐3 inhibitor (cilostazol) ameliorated only monocyte adhesion without directly affecting the adhesion of platelets to microvessels. Conclusions: We observed inhibition of platelets adhesion attenuated monocytes recruitment in intestinal microvessels. Attenuation of LPS induced monocyte adhesion by a specific PDE‐3 inhibitor suggests that P‐selectin on activated platelets may play an important role through monocyte and platelet interaction.     

Platelet-derived adenosine 5'-triphosphate suppresses activation of human hepatic stellate cell: In vitro study

Aim: Activated hepatic stellate cells (HSC) play a critical role in liver fibrosis. Suppressing abnormal function of HSC or reversion from activated to quiescent form is a hopeful treatment for liver cirrhosis. The interaction between platelets and HSC remains unknown although platelets go through hepatic sinusoids surrounded by HSC. This study aimed at clarifying the hypothesis that platelets control activation of HSC. Methods: We used human platelets, platelet extracts, and primary or immortalized human HSC. We examined the effect of platelets on the activation, DNA synthesis, type I collagen production, and fibrosis-relating gene expressions of HSC. We investigated what suppressed activation of HSC within platelets and examined the mechanism of controlling activation in vitro. Results: Platelets and platelet extracts suppressed activation of HSC. Platelets decreased type I collagen production without affecting DNA synthesis. Platelets increased the expression of matrix metallopeptidase 1. As platelet extracts co-cultured with an enzyme of degrading adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) suppressed activation, we detected adenine nucleotides within platelets or on their surfaces and confirmed the degradation of adenine nucleotides by HSC and the production of adenosine. Adenosine and platelets increased the intracellular cyclic adenosine 5'-monophosphate (cAMP), which is important in quiescent HSC. A great amount of adenosine and ATP also suppressed activation of HSC. Conclusion: Activation of human HSC is suppressed by human platelets or platelet-derived ATP via adenosine-cAMP signaling pathway in vitro. Therefore, platelets have the possibility to be used in the treatment of liver cirrhosis.     

Glycoprotein IIb and IIIa retention on fibrinogen-coated surfaces after lysis of adherent platelets

The platelet-membrane glycoprotein IIb-IIIa (GPIIb-IIIa) complex is essential for platelet aggregation and is involved in the attachment of platelets to thrombogenic surfaces. This study shows the retention of GPIIb and GPIIIa on immobilized fibrinogen after Triton X-100 (Sigma Chemical Co, St Louis, MO) lysis of adherent platelets. Glycoproteins were detected using subunit specific monoclonal antibodies in a modified enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay procedure. GPIIb-IIIa retention was judged to be specific relative to GPIb recovery, and was modulated by platelet activation. Platelet exposure to adenosine diphosphate or thrombin, but not A23187 or chymotrypsin, markedly enhanced GPIIb and GPIIIa recovery relative to that observed with unstimulated platelets, or prostaglandin E1-treated platelets. Moreover, lysis of adherent platelets in the presence of 10 mmol/L EDTA, under conditions promoting GPIIb-IIIa complex dissociation (pH 8.1, 60 minutes, 37 degrees C), had no effect on GPIIb or GPIIIa subunit recovery. Platelet activation with Zn+2 also enhanced GPIIb and GPIIIa recovery on fibrinogen-coated surfaces over that observed with unstimulated platelets, but GPIIb and IIIa retention was EDTA sensitive. This correlated with the EDTA-reversible nature of Zn+2- activated platelet adhesion to fibrinogen-coated surfaces. The data (1) show that platelet adhesion to fibrinogen is accompanied by the induction of high-affinity interactions between GPIIb-IIIa and immobilized fibrinogen that are EDTA-resistant and enhanced by platelet activation with some but not all agonists, and (2) implicate these interactions in stabilizing platelet contacts with fibrinogen-coated surfaces.     

Multimeric structure of platelet factor VIII/von Willebrand factor: the presence of larger multimers and their reassociation with thrombin- stimulated platelets

The multimeric structure of platelet factor VIII/von Willebrand factor (FVIII/vWF) in cell extracts and in collagen and thrombin releasates has been analyzed by SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed by detection with 125I-anti-FVIII/vWF. Platelets contained larger multimers than those normally present in plasma. When secreted FVIII/vWF was analyzed, all platelets. In contrast, in thrombin releasates the larger multimers were lost in a manner dependent on divalent cations, time, and thrombin dose. This loss could not be accounted for by modification of FVIII/vWF by thrombin or platelet enzymes since no effect of thrombin on the multimeric structure of FVIII/vWF in the absence of platelets or in the presence of platelet lysates was observed. Large multimers of 125I-labeled purified FVIII/vWF underwent divalent cation-dependent association with platelets in the presence of thrombin, indicating that the loss of FVIII/vWF from thrombin releasates was due to reassociation with the platelet. These studies show a structural difference between platelet and plasma FVIII/vWF that suggests a specific role for platelet FVIII/vWF in hemostasis.     

Activated platelets mediate Staphylococcus aureus deposition on subendothelial extracellular matrix: the role of glycoprotein Ib

Extracellular matrix (ECM) derived from bovine corneal endothelial cells was used as a model to study the role of platelets in Staphylococcus aureus interaction with the vascular subendothelium. In whole blood, S. aureus activated platelets, as demonstrated by P-selectin expression on the platelet membrane. Subjecting platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to the ECM under oscillatory conditions resulted in platelet adhesion and aggregation. S. aureus increased platelet deposition on ECM depending on the bacterium-platelet ratio. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that S. aureus adhered to and formed clusters on ECM-bound platelets. These findings were confirmed by using [3H]thymidine-labeled bacteria that adhered to the surface more extensively after deposition of platelets on ECM. Platelet pre-treatment with prostaglandin E1 resulted in inhibition of bacterial adherence. Glycoprotein (GP)Ib was involved in the bacterium-platelet interaction, as indicated by the following: (i) S. aureus diminished the binding of GPIb but not of GPIX or GPIIb-IIIa monoclonal antibodies (Mab) to washed fixed platelets; (ii) GPIb Mab inhibited S. aureus -induced platelet aggregation in a dose-dependent fashion; (iii) blockade of von Willebrand factor (vWf) binding to GPIb by a recombinant vWf fragment reversed the enhanced platelet deposition on ECM in the presence of S. aureus but did not affect platelet deposition in the absence of bacteria. The results indicate that S. aureus activates platelets and promotes their deposition on ECM via GPIb-dependent mechanism and that adherent platelets mediate S. aureus deposition on the subendothelium. These interactions might play a role in the pathogenesis of bacterial endocarditis.     

Activated platelets mediate Staphylococcus aureus deposition on subendothelial extracellular matrix: the role of glycoprotein Ib

Extracellular matrix (ECM) derived from bovine corneal endothelial cells was used as a model to study the role of platelets in Staphylococcus aureus interaction with the vascular subendothelium. In whole blood, S. aureus activated platelets, as demonstrated by P-selectin expression on the platelet membrane. Subjecting platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to the ECM under oscillatory conditions resulted in platelet adhesion and aggregation. S. aureus increased platelet deposition on ECM depending on the bacterium-platelet ratio. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that S. aureus adhered to and formed clusters on ECM-bound platelets. These findings were confirmed by using [3H]thymidine-labeled bacteria that adhered to the surface more extensively after deposition of platelets on ECM. Platelet pre-treatment with prostaglandin E1 resulted in inhibition of bacterial adherence. Glycoprotein (GP)Ib was involved in the bacterium-platelet interaction, as indicated by the following: (i) S. aureus diminished the binding of GPIb but not of GPIX or GPIIb-IIIa monoclonal antibodies (Mab) to washed fixed platelets; (ii) GPIb Mab inhibited S. aureus -induced platelet aggregation in a dose-dependent fashion; (iii) blockade of von Willebrand factor (vWf) binding to GPIb by a recombinant vWf fragment reversed the enhanced platelet deposition on ECM in the presence of S. aureus but did not affect platelet deposition in the absence of bacteria. The results indicate that S. aureus activates platelets and promotes their deposition on ECM via GPIb-dependent mechanism and that adherent platelets mediate S. aureus deposition on the subendothelium. These interactions might play a role in the pathogenesis of bacterial endocarditis.     

Role of the adhesion molecule CD99 in platelet–neutrophil interactions

The interaction of platelets with neutrophils plays an important role in inflammation and thrombosis and is coordinated by multiple adhesive interactions. The adhesion molecule CD99 is a key mediator of neutrophil migration across the endothelium but whether it is involved in platelet–neutrophil adhesive interactions has not previously been addressed. We found that platelet CD99 is predominantly localized on the cell surface and is not shed following platelet activation. Blocking of either platelet or neutrophil CD99 significantly diminished neutrophil migration across surface‐adherent activated platelets in a quantitatively equivalent manner. In contrast, the blocking of CD99 affected neither neutrophil adhesion to surface‐adherent activated platelets nor formation of circulating platelet–neutrophil conjugates. Thus, homophilic CD99 interaction mediates neutrophil transplatelet migration but is not involved or is redundant in neutrophil adhesion to surface‐adherent or circulating platelets.