Ultrastructure of the interaction between human platelets and polymerizing fibrin within the first minutes of clot formation

In the presence of fibrinogen, thrombin induces the aggregation of platelets, the formation of fibrin, and the retraction of the fibrin network. Since these phenomena are initiated in the first minutes after stimulation, the platelet-fibrin interaction in the early stages of clot formation was investigated. To avoid the formation of high fibrin masses, which may obstruct the morphological evaluation, suspensions of washed platelets were diluted with homologous platelet-poor plasma and stimulated with thrombin. The incubation was stopped by fixation after different times and the clots were studied in series of ultra-thin sections. Between 30 and 60 s after stimulation, polymerizing fibrin was found to be situated predominantly within the contact spaces in aggregates of degranulating platelets. Assembling fibres were seen also in plasmalemmal invaginations located in the close vicinity of the constricting contractile cytoskeleton. Between 5 and 10 min after stimulation, fibres with increasing thickness were observed between the platelets and were internalized into deep-surface invaginations, which remained attached to the outer rim of the contractile cytoskeleton. Surface areas without connection to the cytoskeleton revealed no binding or internalization of fibres. Clots obtained after addition of cytochalasin (36 microM) showed no retraction. Fibrin was found to be bound on the whole surface of discoid and degranulated platelets but no internalization occurred. These results suggest that the association of the clustered fibrin(ogen)-receptor complexes to the contractile cytoskeleton and the formation of a constricting sphere leads to the retraction of the clot by internalization of the fibres.     

beta-Dystroglycan modulates the interplay between actin and microtubules in human-adhered platelets

To maintain the continuity of an injured blood vessel, platelets change shape, secrete granule contents, adhere, aggregate, and retract in a haemostatic plug. Ordered arrays of microtubules, microfilaments, and associated proteins are responsible for these platelet responses. In full-spread platelets, microfilament bundles in association with other cytoskeleton proteins are anchored in focal contacts. Recent studies in migrating cells suggest that co-ordination and direct physical interaction of microtubules and actin network modulate adhesion development. In platelets, we have proposed a feasible association between these two cytoskeletal systems, as well as the participation of the dystrophin-associated protein complex, as part of the focal adhesion complex. The present study analysed the participation of microtubules and actin during the platelet adhesion process. Confocal microscopy, fluorescence resonance transfer energy and immunoprecipitation assays were used to provide evidence of a cross-talk between these two cytoskeletal systems. Interestingly, beta-dystroglycan was found to act as an interplay protein between actin and microtubules and an additional communication between these two cytoskeleton networks was maintained through proteins of focal adhesion complex. Altogether our data are indicative of a dynamic co-participation of actin filaments and microtubules in modulating focal contacts to achieve platelet function.     

Morphological study of platelet adhesion dynamics under whole blood flow conditions

A flow system consisting of a parallel-plate flow chamber mounted on the epifluorescence video microscope has been constructed to allow direct visualization of the entire platelet adhesion process under whole blood flow conditions. Adhered platelets with recorded adhesion history were individually identified and observed in detail using a scanning electron microscope. In this study we used cover glasses coated with fibrinogen, fibrin, or collagen as the testing surface. From experiments carried out at the surface shear rate of 445 s(-1), we found that (1) platelet adhesion was a dynamic process that involved attaching, detaching, relocation and transient contact; (2) platelets adhered to all three types of protein-coated surfaces with platelet adhesion on collagen being most unstable; (3) most of these adhered platelets immediately formed short pseudopods after surface contact; (4) platelets adhered to fibrinogen or fibrin were basically non-overlapping and they underwent further shape change with increasing number /length of pseudopods and increasing extent of cytoplasmic spreading; (5) on collagen-coated surface most incoming platelets attached to previously adhered platelets rather than to the collagen threads for blood-surface contact times longer than 30 s; (6) these platelets formed multicellular thrombi with largest thrombi located at about 0.2-0.4 mm from the upstream edge and (7) platelets in the thrombi formed numerous short pseudopods and started fusing with one another within 2 min. These observations show that platelet adhesion under blood flow is a complex and dynamic process and that adhered platelets undergo heterogeneous post-contact morphological changes. Moreover, our results indicate that fibrinogen and fibrin coatings are adhesive while collagen coating is most stimulatory to platelets.     

Orientation and specificity of fibrin protofibril binding to ADP- stimulated platelets

We have investigated the molecular basis of platelet:fibrin binding by studying interactions between platelets and protofibrils, soluble two- stranded polymers of fibrin, which are intermediates on the fibrin assembly pathway. The specificity of these interactions was examined with transmission electron microscopy (TEM), which clearly showed thin fibers with lengths to 150 nm attached to the cell surface of normal, stimulated platelets. Immunogold electron microscopy using rabbit anti- human fibrinogen as the first stage antibody verified the identity of the surface-bound molecules, and the immunogold distribution paralleled that observed with the fibrin/fibrinogen molecules alone. Contacts between the ends of the fibers and the platelets were frequently observed, but lateral contacts were also evident. Given the diameter at the point of fibrin contact (18.2 +/- 1.3 nm), it is possible that several glycoprotein receptors were involved in binding each protofibril. Morphometric analyses demonstrated that normal platelets stimulated by ADP in the absence of exogenous fibrin(ogen) or in the presence of fibrin protofibrils and antibodies directed against the GPIIb/IIIa complex lacked this molecular layer on the surface. Neither protofibrils nor fibrin fibers adhered to the surface of Glanzmann's thrombasthenic platelets, as demonstrated by TEM and microfluorimetry. Synthetic peptides of sequence RGDS and HHLGGAKQAGDV effectively blocked the binding of protofibrils to the surface of normal, stimulated platelets while synthetic GHRP had no effect. These results provide direct evidence for multiple points of attachment between fibrin protofibrils and the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa complexes present in a functional conformation on the surface of normal, stimulated platelets.     

The procoagulant effect of thrombin on fibrin(ogen)-bound platelets.

In a final stage of activation, platelets become procoagulant because of the appearance of phosphatidylserine (PS) at the membrane outer surface. This PS exposure requires a rise in cytosolic [Ca(2+)](i), is accompanied by formation of membrane blebs, and stimulates the formation of thrombin from its precursor prothrombin. Here, we investigated whether thrombin, as a potent platelet agonist, can induce this procoagulant response in plasma-free platelets interacting with fibrin or fibrinogen through their integrin alpha(IIb)beta(3) receptors. First, in platelets that were stimulated to spread over fibrin or fibrinogen surfaces with adrenaline, addition of thrombin and CaCl(2) caused a potent Ca(2+) signal that in about 30% of the cells was accompanied by exposure of PS. At low doses, integrin alpha(IIb)beta(3) receptor antagonist (RGD peptide) inhibited platelet spreading as well as thrombin-evoked PS exposure. Second, in platelet-fibrinogen microaggregates that were preformed in the presence of adrenaline, thrombin/CaCl(2) induced PS exposure and bleb formation of about 35% of the cells. Third, a potent, thrombin-dependent stimulation of prothrombinase activity was measured in platelet suspensions that were incubated with a fibrin clot. These results indicate that, in the absence of coagulating plasma, thrombin is a moderate inducer of the procoagulant response of platelets, once integrin alpha(IIb)beta(3)-mediated interactions are stimulated (by adrenaline) and CaCl(2) is present.     

Effects of small doses of cytochalasins on fibroblasts: preferential changes of active edges and focal contacts.

The effects of low doses of cytochalasin B (2 micrograms/ml) and cytochalasin D (0.2 microgram/ml) on the spreading of normal mouse fibroblasts in culture were investigated to find out which components of cell-substrate interactions are most sensitive to alterations of the state of actin cytoskeleton. Cytochalasin B disorganized the cortical layer of actin microfilaments and caused partial or complete disappearance of microfilament bundles; focal contacts with the substrate seen by interference-reflection microscopy also disappeared. Diffuse close contacts were apparently insensitive to cytochalasin B. Low doses of cytochalasin B did not inhibit the outgrowth and maintenance of lamellas at the cell periphery. However, in contrast to controls, these lamellas had no distal zones with convex outer edges and ruffles at the upper surfaces. The disappearance of these ruffling active edges was accompanied by loss of the ability to clear the surface of the lamellas from the concanavalin A receptors crosslinked by the corresponding ligand. The effects of cytochalasin D were similar to those of cytochalasin B. Thus, ruffling active edges and focal contacts can be regarded as specialized parts of lamellas with increased sensitivity to cytochalasins; the presence of ruffling active edges is essential for the initiation of centripetal movement of the patches of crosslinked surface receptors.     

Fibrin-Blood Platelet Interaction in a Contracting Clot

The interaction of fibrin and blood platelets was studied by measuring tension development in clots containing different ratios of these two components. Isometric tension attained a saturating value (MT) when plotted as a function of the concentration of either component at a constant concentration of the other. The value of MT increases linearly with the minimal platelet concentration (Ps) required in order to reach saturation at various different fibrin concentrations. A linear relationship also holds in a plot of Ps versus the logarithm of the corresponding fibrin concentration. When the cylindrical clots contracted isotonically, the velocity, normalized with respect to the momentary length, was found to be constant. This velocity decreased in an hyperbolic manner with increasing fibrin concentration at a constant concentration of blood platelets. The results are interpreted in terms of a three-dimensional network in which the blood platelets serve as contractile cross-bridges connecting fibrin fibres. Tension development is assumed to be accompanied by the reduction of the angle between fibrin fibres. An attempt was made to calculate the isometric tension developed by a platelet.     

Role of collagen-adherent platelets in mediating fibrin formation in flowing whole blood

Activated platelets provide assembly sites for coagulation enzyme complexes and in this way can mediate coagulation during hemostasis and thrombosis. In this study, we examined the procoagulant activity of platelets adhering directly to fibrillar collagen, a main thrombogenic constituent of subendothelium. For this purpose, we used a human ex- vivo thrombosis model in which collagen-coated coverslips were exposed to flowing nonanticoagulated blood (shear rate, 65/s) for 5.5 minutes, which led to the deposition of adherent platelets, platelet thrombi, and fibrin. To examine the procoagulant activity of adherent platelets only, a selective antagonist of the platelet GPIIb-IIIa complex, Ro 44- 9883, was infused via a mixing device, resulting in a complete abrogation of platelet thrombus formation but leaving the collagen- adherent platelet layer intact. This platelet layer generated increased postchamber fibrinopeptide A (FPA) levels (203 +/- 33 ng/mL) as compared with control experiments without infusion of inhibitor (95 +/- 13 ng/mL). Concomitantly, fibrin deposition measured by morphometric analysis of cross-sections was also increased, as was the platelet adhesion to collagen. An immunochemical staining of fibrin fibers further showed that the adherent platelets formed the nuclei for fibrin fiber formation. This increase in fibrin deposition was mediated by the intrinsic factor X (F.X) activation complex on adherent single platelets, because almost complete inhibition of FPA generation (9 ng/mL) and fibrin deposition (0.4% +/- 0.2% coverage) was achieved upon coinfusion of the GP IIb-IIIa antagonist and active site-inhibited F.IXa. The large platelet thrombi that were deposited in control experiments contained no significant amounts of immunodetectable fibrin except at the thrombus base, where adherent platelets anchored the thrombi to the collagen surface. These results suggest that the collagen-adherent platelets are important promoters of coagulation during the initial phase of thrombogenesis by providing assembly sites for the F.X activation complex.     

Platelets interact with fibrin only after activation

Interactions between platelets and fibrin have been visualized by phase contrast, epifluorescence, and scanning electron microscope examination of clots formed with dansylcadaverine-labeled fibrin and gel-filtered platelets. After thrombin activation, the platelets appeared as fluorescent aggregates with bridging strands of fibrin; formaldehyde- fixed platelets were not fluorescent under the same experimental conditions. Scanning electron micrographs demonstrated that thrombin- activated cells had numerous pseudopods to which the fibrin strands adhered; fixed platelets exhibited a smooth discoid appearance and did not interact with the clot. Platelets trapped in clots formed with Batroxobin (Pentapharm) (platelets are not activated by Batroxobin as confirmed by light-scattering aggregometry measurements) remained as nonfluorescent, discoid cells, whereas platelets first activated by adenosine diphosphate formed brightly fluorescent aggregates. Light- scattering data of thrombin activation (0.2 U/mL) indicated that preincubation of platelets with 0.1 mmol/L prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) prior to addition of thrombin decreased the extent and rate of platelet shape change and resulted in 100-fold slower aggregation. Clots formed in the presence of PGE1 revealed decreased fluorescence intensity and fewer platelet-fibrin contacts. Gly-Pro-Arg-Pro, which blocks fibrinogen binding and fibrin assembly, was also effective in blocking platelet-fibrin interactions. These results indicate that platelet activation is a prerequisite for attachment of platelets to fibrin.     

Phosphatidylserine exposure and other apoptotic‐like events in Bernard‐Soulier syndrome platelets

In the Bernard‐Soulier syndrome (BSS), the giant platelets are said to have increased phosphatidylserine (PS) surface exposure in the resting state and shortened survival in the circulation. When normal platelets are activated, they undergo many biochemical and morphological changes, some of which are apoptotic. Herein, we investigated apoptotic‐like events in BSS platelets upon activation, specifically, PS exposure, microparticle (MP) formation, cell shrinkage, and loss of mitochondrial inner membrane potential (ΔΨ_m). Platelets from two unrelated BSS patients were examined in whole blood; agonists used were collagen, thrombin, PAR1‐ or PAR4‐activating peptides (APs), or combinations of collagen with thrombin, and the PAR‐APs. Flow cytometry was used to measure PS exposure (annexin A5 binding), platelet‐derived MPs (forward scatter; events <0.75 μm size), and ΔΨ_m (TMRM fluorescence). PS exposure was increased on resting and activated BSS platelets, and this was independent of the platelet size. MP formation by BSS platelets was generally enhanced. Cell shrinkage occurred on activation to form smaller, PS‐exposing platelets in BSS and controls. A proportion of PS‐exposing BSS and control platelets exhibited ΔΨ_m loss, but unlike controls, there was also loss of ΔΨ_m in the BSS platelets not exposing PS. Thus, BSS platelets undergo apoptotic‐like events upon activation, with PS exposure and MP formation being enhanced. These events may play a role in the shortened survival in BSS, as well as affecting thrombin generation. Am. J. Hematol. 85:584–592, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Thrombophilia in sickle cell disease: the red cell connection.

Complex pertubations of hemostasis occur in sickle cell disease (SCD). Although the procoagulant property of sickle erythrocytes in vitro is tied to exposure of phosphatidylserine (PS), no study has directly linked this PS positivity to in vivo thrombin generation. This study was designed to determine if thrombin generation in SCD correlates with erythrocyte PS, or whether platelets play a significant role. PS was quantified on erythrocytes and platelets from 40 patients with SCD (SS genotype = 25; SC genotype = 15) and 11 controls. Markers of thrombin generation (prothrombin fragment F1.2; thrombin-antithrombin or TAT complexes) and fibrin dissolution (D-dimer; plasmin-antiplasmin or PAP complexes) were also evaluated. Thrombin generation and activation of fibrinolysis occurred with elevations in F1.2, TAT, and D-dimer. Although numbers of both PS-positive erythrocytes and platelets were elevated, there was no correlation between PS-positive platelets and any hemostatic markers. In contrast, correlations were noted between PS-positive erythrocytes and F1.2 (P <.0002), D-dimer (P <.000002), and PAP (P <.01). Correlations between F1.2 and D-dimer (P <.0001) demonstrated that fibrinolysis was secondary to thrombin generation. In patients with the SC genotype, abnormalities in coagulation, although present, were of a lesser magnitude than in SS disease. This study suggests that the sickle erythrocyte is the cell responsible for the thrombophilic state in SCD because associations between erythrocyte PS and thrombin generation were observed. No such relationship with platelet PS was noted. The use of erythrocyte PS as a surrogate marker in trials testing new therapeutic modalities may provide insights into the vascular complications of SCD.     

Mass Spectrometric Analysis of the Phosphorylation State of Human Platelet Glycoprotein IIIa

The cytoplasmic domain of platelet glycoprotein IIIa contains the structural information for the recruitment of integrin GPIIb/IIIa into focal contacts as well as the integration of extracellular ligand-binding signals into the intracellular pathway leading to kinase ppl25FAK phosphorylation. These events could be mediated by covalent modification of the GPIIIa intracellular tail. Controversial reports have been published regarding palmitoylation and phosphorylation of GPIIIa in activated platelets. Here, we have analyzed the structure of the cytoplasmic domain of GPIIIa isolated from either the RGD-binding and non-RGD-binding conformers of the Triton X-100 soluble fraction or from the insoluble fraction of plasma membrane lysates of platelets (free and cytoskeleton-attached GPIIb/IIIa, respectively). Only the unaltered GPIIIa cytoplasmic tail was found. Therefore, we conclude that the intracellular domain of GPIIIa is neither covalently modified constitutively nor is its modification required for either RGD-peptide-binding or cytoskeleton attachment.     

Mass Spectrometric Analysis of the Phosphorylation State of Human Platelet Glycoprotein IIIa

The cytoplasmic domain of platelet glycoprotein IIIa contains the structural information for the recruitment of integrin GPIIb/IIIa into focal contacts as well as the integration of extracellular ligand-binding signals into the intracellular pathway leading to kinase ppl25FAK phosphorylation. These events could be mediated by covalent modification of the GPIIIa intracellular tail. Controversial reports have been published regarding palmitoylation and phosphorylation of GPIIIa in activated platelets. Here, we have analyzed the structure of the cytoplasmic domain of GPIIIa isolated from either the RGD-binding and non-RGD-binding conformers of the Triton X-100 soluble fraction or from the insoluble fraction of plasma membrane lysates of platelets (free and cytoskeleton-attached GPIIb/IIIa, respectively). Only the unaltered GPIIIa cytoplasmic tail was found. Therefore, we conclude that the intracellular domain of GPIIIa is neither covalently modified constitutively nor is its modification required for either RGD-peptide-binding or cytoskeleton attachment.     

Time-dependent association between platelet-bound fibrinogen and the Triton X-100 insoluble cytoskeleton

Previous studies indicated a correlation between the formation of EDTA-resistant (irreversible) platelet-fibrinogen interactions and platelet cytoskeleton formation. The present study explored the direct association of membrane-bound fibrinogen with the Triton X-100 (Sigma Chemical Co, St Louis, MO) insoluble cytoskeleton of aspirin-treated, gel-filtered platelets, activated but not aggregated with 20 mumol/L adenosine diphosphate (ADP) or 150 mU/mL human thrombin (THR) when bound fibrinogen had become resistant to dissociation by EDTA. Conversion of exogenous 125I-fibrinogen to fibrin was prevented by adding Gly-Pro-Arg and neutralizing THR with hirudin before initiating binding studies. After 60 minutes at 22 degrees C, the cytoskeleton of ADP-treated platelets contained 20% +/- 12% (mean +/- SD, n = 14) of membrane-bound 125I-fibrinogen, representing 10% to 50% of EDTA-resistant fibrinogen binding. The THR-activated cytoskeleton contained 45% +/- 15% of platelet bound fibrinogen, comprising 80% to 100% of EDTA-resistant fibrinogen binding. 125I-fibrinogen was not recovered with platelet cytoskeletons if binding was inhibited by the RGDS peptide, excess unlabeled fibrinogen, or disruption of the glycoprotein (GP) IIb-IIIa complex by EDTA-treatment. Both development of EDTA-resistant fibrinogen binding and fibrinogen association with the cytoskeleton were time dependent and reached maxima 45 to 60 minutes after fibrinogen binding to stimulated platelets. Although a larger cytoskeleton formed after platelet stimulation with thrombin as compared with ADP, no change in cytoskeleton composition was noted with development of EDTA-resistant fibrinogen binding. Examination of platelet cytoskeletons using monoclonal antibodies, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and Western blotting showed the presence of only traces of GP IIb-IIIa in the cytoskeletons of resting platelets, with no detectable increases after platelet activation or development of EDTA-resistant fibrinogen binding. These data suggest that GP IIb-IIIa-mediated fibrinogen binding to activated platelets is accompanied by time-dependent alterations in platelet-fibrinogen interactions leading to the GP IIb-IIIa independent association between bound fibrinogen and the platelet cytoskeleton.     

Key role of glycoprotein Ib/V/IX and von Willebrand factor in platelet activation-dependent fibrin formation at low shear flow

A microscopic method was developed to study the role of platelets in fibrin formation. Perfusion of adhered platelets with plasma under coagulating conditions at a low shear rate (250(-1)) resulted in the assembly of a star-like fibrin network at the platelet surface. The focal fibrin formation on platelets was preceded by rises in cytosolic Ca(2+), morphologic changes, and phosphatidylserine exposure. Fibrin formation was slightly affected by α(IIb)β(3) blockage, but it was greatly delayed and reduced by the following: inhibition of thrombin or platelet activation; interference in the binding of von Willebrand factor (VWF) to glycoprotein Ib/V/IX (GpIb-V-IX); plasma or blood from patients with type 1 von Willebrand disease; and plasma from mice deficient in VWF or the extracellular domain of GpIbα. In this process, the GpIb-binding A1 domain of VWF was similarly effective as full-length VWF. Prestimulation of platelets enhanced the formation of fibrin, which was abrogated by blockage of phosphatidylserine. Together, these results show that, in the presence of thrombin and low shear flow, VWF-induced activation of GpIb-V-IX triggers platelet procoagulant activity and anchorage of a star-like fibrin network. This process can be relevant in hemostasis and the manifestation of von Willebrand disease.     

Contribution of platelet glycoprotein VI to the thrombogenic effect of collagens in fibrous atherosclerotic lesions

Collagens (types I and III) are among the strongest thrombus-forming components of the vascular subendothelium. We compared the thrombogenic effects of four collagen-containing advanced atherosclerotic lesions with those of purified types I and III collagen fibers. Cell-free homogenates from the human plaques effectively promoted platelet adhesion and aggregate formation under high-shear flow conditions, as well as exposure of procoagulant phosphatidylserine (PS) on platelets. With all plaques, blocking of the glycoprotein VI (GPVI) receptor for collagen abolished aggregation and PS exposure. Blocking of platelet ADP receptors resulted in similar, but less complete inhibitory effects. Type I collagen was more potent than type III collagen in inducing aggregation and PS exposure under flow, via stimulation of GPVI and ADP receptors. Type I collagen also more strongly enhanced thrombin generation with platelets and tissue factor, again via GPVI activation and PS exposure. The plaque material enhanced thrombin generation, partly due to the presence of tissue factor and partly via GPVI and ADP receptors. Together, these results indicate that in advanced plaques collagen type I is a major trigger of thrombus formation and PS exposure, acting via GPVI and ADP release, while tissue factor directly enhances coagulation.     

Platelet adhesion enhances the glycoprotein VI-dependent procoagulant response: Involvement of p38 MAP kinase and calpain

In the final stages of activation, platelets express coagulation-promoting activity by 2 simultaneous processes: exposure of aminophospholipids, eg, phosphatidylserine (PS), at the platelet surface, and formation of membrane blebs, which may be shed as microvesicles. Contact with collagen triggers both processes via platelet glycoprotein VI (GPVI). Here, we studied the capacity of 2 GPVI ligands, collagen-related peptide (CRP) and the snake venom protein convulxin (CVX), to elicit the procoagulant platelet response. In platelets in suspension, either ligand induced full aggregation and high Ca(2+) signals but little microvesiculation or PS exposure. However, most of the platelets adhering to immobilized CRP or CVX had exposed PS and formed membrane blebs after a prolonged increase in cytosolic [Ca(2+)](i). Platelets adhering to fibrinogen responded similarly but only when exposed to soluble CRP or CVX. By scanning electron microscopic analysis, the bleb-forming platelets were detected as either round, spongelike structures with associated microparticles or as arrays of vesicular cell fragments. The phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) elicited by CRP and CVX was enhanced in fibrinogen-adherent platelets compared with that in platelets in suspension. The p38 inhibitor SB203580 and the calpain protease inhibitor calpeptin reduced only the procoagulant bleb formation, having no effect on PS exposure. Inhibition of p38 also downregulated calpain activity. We conclude that the procoagulant response evoked by GPVI stimulation is potentiated by platelet adhesion. The sequential activation of p38 MAPK and calpain appears to regulate procoagulant membrane blebbing but not PS exposure.     

Talin-dependent integrin activation is required for fibrin clot retraction by platelets

Talin functions both as a regulator of integrin affinity and as an important mechanical link between integrins and the cytoskeleton. Using genetic deletion of talin, we show for the first time that the capacity of talin to activate integrins is required for fibrin clot retraction by platelets. To further dissect which talin functions are required for this process, we tested clot retraction in platelets expressing a talin1(L325R) mutant that binds to integrins, but exhibits impaired integrin activation ascribable to disruption of the interaction between talin and the membrane-proximal region (MPR) in the β-integrin cytoplasmic domain. Talin-deficient and talin1(L325R) platelets were defective in retracting fibrin clots. However, the defect in clot retraction in talin1(L325R) platelets, but not talin-deficient platelets, was rescued by extrinsically activating integrins with manganese, thereby proving that integrin activation is required and showing that talin1(L325R) can form functional links to the actin cytoskeleton.     

Platelet ADP receptors contribute to the initiation of intravascular coagulation

While the adenosine 5'-diphosphate (ADP) pathway is known to enhance thrombus formation by recruiting platelets and leukocytes to the primary layer of collagen-adhering platelets, its role for the initiation of coagulation has not been revealed. Ex vivo inhibition of the P2Y12 ADP receptor by clopidogrel administration diminished the rapid exposure of tissue factor (TF), the major initiator of coagulation, in conjugates of platelets with leukocytes established by the contact of whole blood with fibrillar collagen. Under in vitro conditions, the P2Y12 and P2Y1 ADP receptors were both found to be implicated in the exposure of TF in collagen-activated whole blood. Immunoelectron-microscopy revealed that collagen elicited the release of TF from its storage pools within the platelets. Functional activation of the intravascular TF was reduced by inhibition of the ADP receptors, partially due to the disruption of the platelet-neutrophil adhesions. Injection of collagen into the venous system of mice increased the number of thrombin-antithrombin complexes, indicative for the formation of thrombin in vivo. In P2Y1-deficient mice, the ability of collagen to enhance the generation of thrombin was impaired. In conclusion, the platelet ADP pathway supports the initiation of intravascular coagulation, which is likely to contribute to the concomitant formation of fibrin at the site of the growing thrombus.     

Platelet-derived microparticles associate with fibrin during thrombosis

Platelet-derived microparticles (MP) are reported to express both pro- and anticoagulant activities. Nevertheless, their functional significance has remained unresolved. The present study monitored the generation and fate of MP in an experimental model of thrombosis with costimulation of platelets by collagen and thrombin. When minimally anticoagulated (0.5 micromol/L PPACK) blood was perfused over immobilized fibrillar type I collagen in a flow chamber at a low shear rate (300 s(-1)), endogenous thrombin was generated, as evidenced by thrombin-antithrombin III complex. In contrast to full anticoagulation 150 micromol/L PPACK) and the absence of collagen, large platelet aggregates and fibrin ensued during perfusions over collagen in the presence of thrombin. In these thrombi, MP, defined as GPIIbIIIa- and P- selectin-positive vesicles (<1 micron), were found to align fibrin in immunofluorescence and scanning immunoelectron microscopy. Moreover, in sections of embolectomized thromboemboli from patients GPIIbIIIa- and P- selectin-positive material compatible with MP was detected in a fibrin strand-like pattern. In vitro binding studies showed that MP bound to fibrin and acted there as procoagulants. In summary, we show that MP generated during thrombus formation associate with local fibrin. This adhesive function fibrin could imply a sustained modulatory role for MP in evolving thrombi.