Flow cytometric analysis of platelet activation by different collagen types present in the vessel wall

The interaction of platelets with collagens of the vessel wall is a critical event in primary haemostasis. Although numerous studies have examined the ability of various collagen types to support platelet adhesion, little is known concerning the relative ability of different collagens to elicit specific activation markers in platelets. In this report, flow cytometric analysis has been utilized to evaluate the ability of various native collagen types to elicit secondary activation events in human platelets. Collagen types I, III, V and VI induced α-granule secretion and up-regulation of cell surface glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa. In contrast, collagen type IV did not elicit these responses in the concentration ranges examined. Dose–response curves for α-granule secretion induced by the various collagen types indicated that human type III and human type I collagens were less effective than human type V, human type VI and calf skin type I. In addition, the ability of these various collagens to activate GPIIb/IIIa to its ligand binding conformation was even more heterogenous with only human type VI and calf skin type I readily promoting this transition. These data demonstrate that flow cytometric analysis of collagen-induced platelet activation is feasible and that collagen-mediated α-granule secretion and membrane glycoprotein redistribution in human platelets are separate events from activation of GPIIb/IIIa.     

Platelet adhesion to collagen and endothelial cell matrix under flow conditions is not dependent on platelet glycoprotein IV

Platelet membrane glycoprotein IV (GPIV) is a cell-surface glycoprotein that has been proposed as a receptor for collagen. Recently, it has been shown that platelets with the Naka-negative phenotype lack GPIV on their surface, whereas donors with this phenotype are healthy and do not suffer from hematologic disorders. In this study, we compared Naka- negative platelets with normal platelets in adhesion to collagen types I, III, IV, and V and the extracellular matrix of endothelial cells (ECM) under static and flow conditions. No differences in platelet adhesion and subsequent aggregate formation on the collagens types I, III, and IV were observed under static and flow conditions. Adhesion of both homozygous and heterozygous Naka-negative platelets to collagen type V was strongly reduced under static conditions. Collagen type V was not adhesive under flow conditions. No difference in platelet adhesion to ECM was observed, which suggests that GPIV is not important in adhesion to subendothelium, for which ECM may serve as a model. These results indicate that GPIV is not a functional receptor for collagen under flow conditions.     

Collagen-type specificity of glycoprotein VI as a determinant of platelet adhesion

Of the two physiologically important platelet collagen receptors, glycoprotein (GP) VI is the receptor responsible for platelet activation. However, its reactivities towards different types of vascular collagen have not been directly and quantitatively analysed with collagen preparations of defined composition, although the other major platelet collagen receptor integrin alpha(2)beta(1) was shown to react with collagen types I-VI and VIII under either static or flow conditions. We analysed the collagen type specificity of GPVI binding to identify the physiological contribution of the various vascular collagens and how platelet reactivity towards the various collagens may be affected by fibril size. We used two methods to analyse the binding of recombinant GPVI (GPVI-Fc(2)) to different types of bovine collagen: binding to collagen microparticles in suspension and binding to immobilized collagen. GPVI-Fc(2) bound to type I-III collagens that can form large fibrils, but not to type V that only forms small fibrils. The apparent GPVI binding to types IV and V could be ascribed to type I collagen that was a contaminant in each of these preparations. Kinetic analyses of the binding data showed that type III collagen fibrils have both a higher Kd and Bmax than types I and II. Flow adhesion studies demonstrated that type III collagen supports the formation of larger platelet aggregates than type I. Our present results suggest that the physiological importance of type III collagen is to induce thrombus formation. Furthermore, these studies indicate that GPVI mainly binds to collagen types that can form large collagen fibrils.     

Platelet adhesion to cyanogen-bromide fragments of collagen alpha 1(I) under flow conditions

The aim of this investigation was to identify domains of collagen type I that can support platelet adhesion under flow conditions. Four cyanogen bromide (CB) fragments composing 87% of the collagen alpha 1(I)-chain were studied under static and flow conditions. Under static conditions, bovine and human collagen fragment alpha 1(I)CB3 induced aggregate formation, whereas alpha 1(I)CB7 and alpha 1(I)CB8 supported adhesion of dendritic and contact platelets. Bovine alpha 1(I)CB6 weakly supported platelet adhesion. At shear rate 300/s, collagen fragment alpha 1(I)CB3 strongly supported platelet adhesion, whereas lower platelet adhesion was observed to alpha 1(I)CB7 and alpha 1(I)CB8. The fragment alpha 1(I)CB6 did not support platelet adhesion under flow conditions. Adhesion to alpha 1(I)CB3 was completely inhibited by a low concentration (0.6 IgG microgram/mL) of anti-GPIa monoclonal antibody (MoAb), whereas this concentration of antibody partially inhibited adhesion to alpha 1(I)CB7 and alpha 1(I)CB8. At higher concentrations (3 micrograms/mL) the anti-glycoprotein Ia (GPIa) antibody completely inhibited adhesion to alpha 1(I)CB8 and further reduced adhesion to alpha 1(I)CB7. Platelet adhesion to alpha 1(I)CB3, alpha 1(I)CB7, and alpha 1(I)CB8 was strongly inhibited by an anti-GPIb MoAb. A MoAb against the GPIb-binding site of von Willebrand factor (vWF) strongly inhibited platelet adhesion to alpha 1(I)CB7 and alpha 1(I)CB8, whereas platelet adhesion to alpha 1(I)CB3 was not inhibited. We conclude that under flow conditions alpha 1(I)CB3, alpha 1(I)CB7, and alpha 1(I)CB8 support GPIa/IIa-dependent platelet adhesion. The GPIb-vWF interaction is important under flow conditions for adhesion to alpha 1(I)CB7 and alpha 1(I)CB8 and probably also to alpha 1(I)CB3.     

Monoclonal Antibody to Human Platelet Glycoprotein I II. EFFECTS ON HUMAN PLATELET FUNCTION

S ummary . The effect on platelet function of a monoclonal platelet antibody to platelet membrane glycoprotein I was tested. This antibody, AN51, inhibited ristocetin or bovine factor VIII-induced aggregation but did not modify ADP, collagen type I or type III, thrombin or arachidonic acid induced aggregations. Furthermore, the adhesion-aggregation of platelets induced by microfibrils was also inhibited by the antibody. Platelet adhesion to rabbit aorta subendothelium was impaired by the antibody. The persistent adhesion of platelets to collagenase-treated subendothelium was also inhibited. These findings strongly suggested that platelet membrane glycoprotein I could interact with a non-collagenic microfibrillar component of subendothelium. The binding of factor VIII/von Willebrand factor to platelet membrane in the presence of ristocetin was decreased in the presence of the antibody. Platelet membrane glycoprotein I could, thus, be a binding site for factor VIII/von Willebrand factor to allow platelet adhesion to subendothelium.     

Shear rate-dependent impairment of thrombus growth on collagen in nonanticoagulated blood from patients with von Willebrand disease and hemophilia A.

Thrombus formation on collagen fibrils was quantified at venous (100/s) and arterial (650/s and 2,600/s) wall shear rates in blood from patients with various subtypes of von Willebrand disease (vWD) and with hemophilia A (HA). Nonanticoagulated blood was drawn directly from an antecubital vein over purified type III collagen fibrils exposed in parallel-plate perfusion chambers. Blood-collagen interactions were differentiated and quantified by morphometry as platelet adhesion, thrombus height, thrombus volume, and deposition of fibrin strands. Sixteen patients with vWD, including four type III, six type I, four type IIA, and two type IIB, were compared with 26 normal subjects and nine patients with HA, including six severe HA and three mild HA. Platelet adhesion and thrombus formation at 2,600/s were significantly decreased in blood from patients with vWD type III, IIA, and IIB, but not in blood from patients with type I and in HA. The abnormal thrombus formation was apparently not related to the decreased levels of factor VIII (F.VIII), because thrombus height and volume were normal in severe and mild HA. Thrombus formation at 650/s was also significantly decreased in patients with vWD type III, IIA, and IIB and slightly reduced in type I. Significant reduction in thrombus volume and height was also observed in blood from patients with severe HA, but not in mild HA. Thrombus dimensions were not affected at 100/s in the vWD subtypes. However, significantly decreased thrombus height and virtually absent fibrin deposition were observed in blood from patients with severe HA. Apparently, F.VIII supports thrombus formation at low and intermediate shear conditions, presumably through the generation of thrombin. In contrast, von Willebrand factor (vWF) mediates not only platelet adhesion, but also thrombus formation at intermediate and high shear rates. Thus, the relative contribution of coagulation (F.VIII) and platelet function (vWF) in thrombus formation appears to be shear rate dependent, but having optimal effects at different shear conditions.     

Platelet receptors for collagens

Collagens belong to the constituents that determine the thrombogenicity of the vessel wall. Seven genetically distinct collagens-type I, III, IV, V, VI, VIII and XIII-have been identified in the vessel wall. The interaction of platelets with collagens is a complex process since collagens are not only potent platelet agonists but also adhesive proteins. In recent years several platelet membrane glycoproteins have been shown to be involved in platelet-collagen interactions. The mechanisms of platelet-collagen interaction can be divided into primary, direct interactions and secondary, indirect interactions. A number of direct receptors for the collagens have been proposed. The glycoprotein complex Ia/IIa, also called VLA(2), α(2)β(1) integrin or CD49b/CD29, meets several criteria as the major platelet receptor for different types of collagens. There is some evidence that glycoprotein IIIb, also called glycoprotein IV or CD36, functions at the earliest stages of collagen adhesion as a platelet collagen receptor. CD36 seems to be essential for type V collagen-induced platelet aggregation and adhesion. Another putative platelet-collagen receptor is P62, a glycoprotein with a molecular weight of 62 kDa under reducing conditions.     

Collagen-platelet interaction: Gly-Pro-Hyp is uniquely specific for platelet Gp VI and mediates platelet activation by collagen.

OBJECTIVE: Peptides consisting of a repeat Gly-Pro-Hyp sequence are potent platelet agonists. The aim of this study was: (1) to examine the specificity of this sequence for platelet activation; (2) to confirm its recognition by platelet glycoprotein VI; and (3) to assess with suitable peptides the relative importance of glycoprotein VI and integrin alpha 2 beta 1 in platelet activation by collagen. METHODS: Peptides were synthesized by standard Fmoc chemistry and tested for their ability to support adhesion of human platelets and HT 1080 cells, induce platelet aggregation, bind integrin alpha 2 subunit A-domain and to cause tyrosine phosphorylation of platelet proteins. RESULTS: (1) Peptides consisting of a repeat Gly-Pro-Pro, Gly-Pro-Ala or Gly-Pro-Arg sequence exhibited little if any platelet-reactivity. (2) The platelet-reactive peptide consisting of a repeating Gly-Pro-Hyp sequence failed to induce tyrosine phosphorylation in glycoprotein VI-deficient platelets. Platelet adhesion to this peptide was inhibited by intact anti-glycoprotein VI antibody and its Fab fragment. The latter inhibited aggregation by the peptide and fibres of both collagens I and III. (3) A peptide containing a 15-mer alpha 2 beta 1-binding sequence in a repeat Gly-Pro-Pro structure supported alpha 2 beta 1-mediated platelet and HT 1080 cell adhesion and bound alpha 2 A-domain, but failed to activate platelets or to induce tyrosine phosphorylation. Conversely, a peptide containing this sequence but with an essential Glu replaced by Ala and inserted in a repeat Gly-Pro-Hyp structure did not recognize alpha 2 beta 1, but was highly platelet activatory. CONCLUSIONS: Platelet activation by collagen involves the highly-specific recognition of the Gly-Pro-Hyp sequence by platelet glycoprotein VI. Recognition of alpha 2 beta 1 is insufficient to cause activation. Interaction between collagen and glycoprotein VI is unique since Gly-Pro-Hyp is common in collagens but occurs rarely in other proteins, and glycoprotein VI may be expressed solely by platelets. This sequence could provide a basis for a highly-specific anti-thrombotic reagent to control thrombosis associated with plaque rupture.     

Platelet adhesion to collagen in individuals lacking glycoprotein IV

The Naka isoantigen is expressed on glycoprotein (GP) IV (CD36), a platelet membrane GP that has been identified as having a role in platelet interactions with collagen and thrombospondin and in binding Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes to endothelial cells and melanoma cells. We have studied normal platelets and Naka- platelets from two Japanese donors that have 1% of GPIV by concentration- dependent antibody binding and flow cytometry. We studied the adherence of normal and Naka- platelets to types I, III, and IV collagen in static and to type I collagen in flowing systems at high shear force. We have also studied aggregation of normal and Naka- platelets to type I collagen. Naka- platelets showed normal or increased aggregation to type I collagen and normal adhesion to types I, III, and IV collagen in the presence of Mg++ or EDTA. Platelet aggregation and adhesion were inhibited by the anti-alpha 2 beta 1 antibody 176D7 to the same extent in Naka- as in normal platelets. We also studied endogenous thrombospondin surface expression and found that thrombin-stimulated Naka- platelets expressed the same amount of thrombospondin as did normal platelets. From our studies with Naka- platelets, we cannot identify a definitive role for GPIV in platelet aggregation, in adhesion to types I, III, and IV collagen, or in endogenous thrombospondin binding to platelets.     

Production and characterization of saratin, an inhibitor of von Willebrand factor-dependent platelet adhesion to collagen

Platelets tether to collagen in both a von Willebrand factor (vWF)-dependent and a vWF-independent manner. We have recently characterized a recombinant protein, saratin, isolated from the saliva of the leech Hirudo medicinalis, expressed it in Hansenula polymorpha, and studied its effect on direct and indirect platelet-collagen interactions. Saratin dose dependently inhibited the binding of purified human vWF to human type I and III collagens (IC(50)= 0.23 +/- 0.004 and 0.81 +/- 0.04 microg mL(-1), respectively) and to calf skin collagen (IC(50)= 0.44 +/- 0.008 microg mL(-1)). Furthermore, saratin showed a similar inhibitory potency against the binding of human, rodent, and porcine plasma vWF to these collagens. In a flow chamber under conditions of elevated shear (2700 s(-1)), saratin dose dependently and potently inhibited platelet aggregate formation on a collagen-coated surface (IC(50)= 0.96 +/- 0.25 microg mL(-1)), but at reduced shear (1300 s(-1)) a rightward shift in the dose-response curve was noted (IC(50)= 5.2 +/- 1.4 microg mL(-1)). Surface plasmon resonance analysis revealed both high and low affinity binding sites for saratin on human collagen type III (K(d) 5 x 10(-8) M and 2 x 10(-6) M, respectively). Although low concentrations of saratin, which inhibited platelet adhesion under increased shear (i.e., saturation of high-affinity binding sites), had no effect on vWF-independent collagen-induced platelet aggregation, high concentrations (i.e., saturation of low-affinity binding sites) were found to inhibit platelet aggregation. These data demonstrate that saratin is a potent inhibitor of vWF-dependent platelet adhesion to collagen and hence may have therapeutic potential as an antithrombotic agent.     

Platelet GPVI binds to collagenous structures in the core region of human atheromatous plaque and is critical for atheroprogression in vivo

Platelet adhesion to the atherosclerotic vascular wall induces thrombosis and boosters vascular inflammation and atheroprogression. In the present study we studied the binding of the platelet collagen receptor glycoprotein (GP) VI to human atherosclerotic plaques (AP) and the role of GPVI-mediated platelet adhesion for atheroprogression. Soluble GPVI-Fc fusion protein bound to immobilized collagen type I, collagen type III, and predominantly to the core region of human carotid atheromatous plaques. The pattern of GPVI-Fc binding was similar to the immunostaining pattern of collagen type III and differed from the immunostaining of collagen type I, which was more intense in the cap than in the core. Plaque-induced platelet aggregation in stirred blood and platelet adhesion/aggregate formation under flow were inhibited by the anti-GPVI monoclonal antibody 5C4 or by pretreatment of plaques with anti-collagen type I and anti-collagen type III antibody, or GPVI-Fc. However, there was no correlation between GPVI-Fc binding and platelet aggregating activity of individual plaques. GPVI bound also to atherosclerotic arteries of ApoE-deficient mice in vivo as assessed by small animal positron emission tomography (PET). Prolonged administration of soluble GPVI attenuated atheroprogression in ApoE-deficient mice. In humans, GPVI binding to collagenous type I and type III structures of the plaque core region mediates plaque-induced platelet adhesion and aggregation, but GPVI binding is not the sole platelet-activating determinant of plaques. In mice, GPVI-mediated platelet adhesion to the atherosclerotic vascular wall is involved in atheroprogression in vivo. Taken together, our data suggests that GPVI is a relevant target to prevent atherothrombotic events and atheroprogression.     

Characterization of murine anti-glycoprotein Ib monoclonal antibodies that differentiate between shear-induced and ristocetin/botrocetin-induced glycoprotein Ib-von Willebrand factor interaction

Platelet adhesion to vascular subendothelium under conditions of high shear stress is mediated by the platelet glycoprotein (GP) Ib-von Willebrand Factor (vWF) interaction. The aim of this study was to characterize the murine monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) 27A10 and 28E6, both raised against purified GPIb. The MoAb 27A10 is a potent inhibitor of shear-induced platelet adhesion to collagen type I in a flow chamber at shear rates of 1,300 and 2,700 s(-1). 20 microg/ml of MoAb 27A10, furthermore, could completely block shear-induced aggregation in a modified Couette viscometer at shear rates of 1,000 and 4,000 s(-1). On the other hand, MoAb 27A10 had a negligible effect on botrocetin-induced GPIb-vWF binding and is only a poor inhibitor of the ristocetin-dependent interaction. In contrast, MoAb 28E6 did abolish both the ristocetin- and botrocetin-induced GPIb-vWF binding, whereas it did not block the shear-induced interaction. Thus, we identify here two anti-GPIb MoAbs 27A10 and 28E6 that either preferentially inhibit the shear-induced or the ristocetin/botrocetin-induced platelet-vWF interaction. With these tools it should be possible to more clearly define the mechanisms by which platelets bind to vWF in vivo.     

Platelet adhesion to collagen in healthy volunteers is influenced by variation of both alpha(2)beta(1) density and von Willebrand factor

Platelet thrombus formation on collagen is initiated by platelet GPIb interaction with von Willebrand factor (vWF) bound to collagen, followed by firm attachment of the platelet to collagen by the integrin alpha(2)beta(1). Platelet and plasma vWF levels and alpha(2)beta(1) density on the platelet surface are highly variable among normal subjects; however, little is known about the consequences of this variability on platelet adhesion to collagen. A population of 32 normal subjects was studied to evaluate the relation between genetic and phenotypic variations of alpha(2)beta(1) density on the platelet surface, plasma vWF levels, platelet vWF levels, and adenosine diphosphate and adenosine triphosphate concentrations on the one hand and platelet adhesion to collagen under flow on the other hand. Platelet adhesion to collagen types I and III under flow was correlated with plasma levels of vWF (r(2) = 0.45 and 0.42, respectively) and alpha(2)beta(1) density on the platelet surface (r(2) = 0.35 and 0.17, not significant). Platelet adhesion to collagen type IV under flow was significantly correlated with platelet vWF levels (r(2) = 0.34) and alpha(2)beta(1) density on the platelet surface (r(2) = 0.42). Platelet adhesion to collagen types I and III depends on both plasma levels of vWF and alpha(2)beta(1) density on the platelet surface, whereas platelet adhesion to collagen type IV is mediated by both platelet vWF levels and alpha(2)beta(1) density on the platelet surface. (Blood. 2000;96:1433-1437)     

Platelet adhesion and aggregation on human type VI collagen surfaces under physiological flow conditions

Type VI collagen is a subendothelial constituent that binds von Willebrand factor (vWF) and platelets. The interaction of platelets with type VI collagen and the roles of platelet glycoprotein (GP) receptors and vWF were studied under flow conditions using epi- fluorescent videomicroscopy coupled with digital image processing. We found that surface coverage was less than 6% on collagen VI at a relatively high-wall shear rate (1,000 s-1) and was approximately 60% at a low-wall shear rate (100 s-1). The molecular mechanisms involved in low-shear platelet binding were studied using monoclonal antibodies to platelet GPIb and GPIIb-IIIa, and polymeric aurin tricarboxylic acid. Anti-GPIIb-IIIa was the most effective in eliminating adhesion (surface coverage, 0.8%), followed by anti-GPIb (4.3%), and ATA (12.6%). Experiments with von Willebrand disease blood indicate that vWF is involved in platelet adhesion to collagen VI at 100 s-1. In the absence of vWF, there may be direct binding of platelet GPIIb-IIIa complexes to collagen VI. Adhesion and aggregation on collagen VI are different in shear rate dependence from collagen I. Our results suggest a possible role for collagen VI and vWF in platelet adhesion and aggregation in vascular regions with low shear rates.     

Calin from Hirudo medicinalis, an inhibitor of von Willebrand factor binding to collagen under static and flow conditions

Calin from the saliva of the medicinal leech, Hirudo medicinalis, is a potent inhibitor of collagen mediated platelet adhesion and activation. In addition to inhibition of the direct platelet-collagen interaction, we presently demonstrate that binding of von Willebrand to coated collagen can be prevented by Calin, both under static and flow conditions in agreement with the occurrence of binding of Calin to collagen, confirmed by Biospecific Interaction Analysis. To define whether Calin acted by inhibiting the platelet-collagen or the platelet- von Willebrand factor (vWF)-collagen-mediated thrombus formation, platelet adhesion to different types of collagens was studied in a parallel-plate flow chamber perfused with whole blood at different shear rates. Calin dose-dependently prevented platelet adhesion to the different collagens tested both at high- and low-shear stress. The concentration of Calin needed to cause 50% inhibition of platelet adhesion at high-shear stress was some fivefold lower than that needed for inhibition of vWF-binding under similar conditions, implying that at high-shear stress, the effect of Calin on the direct platelet- collagen interactions, suffices to prevent thrombus formation. Platelet adhesion to extracellular matrix (ECM) of cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells was only partially prevented by Calin, and even less so at a high-shear rather than a low-shear rate, whereas the platelet binding to coated vWF and fibrinogen were minimally affected at both shear rates. Thus, Calin interferes with both the direct platelet- collagen interaction and the vWF-collagen binding. Both effects may contribute to the inhibition of platelet adhesion in flowing conditions, although the former seems to predominate.     

Biological effects of types I and III collagens in human hepatocellular carcinoma tissue

AIM: To explore the biological effects of type I and III collagens in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the relationship between the collagens and tumor behavior. METHODS: The distribution of types I and III collagens was determined by immunohistochemistry in 25 specimens of human HCC and surrounding liver tissue, as well as six normal liver specimens. In addition, the expression of types I and III collagens were studied by in situ hybridization in nine HCC and two normal liver specimens. Collagen content in the tissues was calculated according to the theory of sterology. RESULTS: The content of types I and III collagens was significantly lower in HCC than in the surrounding liver tissue. In addition, the collagen content was significantly lower in invasive/metastatic HCC tissue than in non-invasive/metastatic HCC tissue. However, collagen gene expression and protein synthesis were increased in HCC tissue. CONCLUSION: The decrease in collagen content in HCC tissue likely resulted from collagen degradation. Collagens may be inhibitors of tumor invasion and metastasis.     

Collagen species in various sized human arteries and their changes with intimal proliferation

The collagen types extracted from intermediate and small sized human arteries were investigated by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) after differential salt fractionation. Limited and repeated pepsin digestion was used to prepare collagen species. Type V, IV and VI collagens were extracted greater in the former relative to in the latter, whereas type I and III collagen were extracted until the last extract. Type I collagen comprised as the major collagen in the intima of various arteries as well as in venous tissue. Type III and V collagens were found to be less in small arteries than in the initial stage of atherosclerosis. Type VI collagen in the intermediate and small arteries was detected on SDS-PAGE.     

Antithrombotic effect of platelet glycoprotein Ib-blocking monoclonal antibody Fab fragments in nonhuman primates

Platelet adhesion in arterial blood flow is mainly supported by the platelet receptor glycoprotein (GP) Ib, which interacts with von Willebrand factor (vWF) that is bound to collagen at the site of vessel wall injury. Antibody 6B4 is a monoclonal antibody (MoAb) raised against purified human GPIb. MoAb 6B4 inhibits both ristocetin- and botrocetin-induced, vWF-dependent human platelet agglutination. MoAb 6B4 furthermore blocks shear-induced adhesion of human platelets to collagen I. We studied the antithrombotic effect of this inhibitory murine MoAb 6B4 in a baboon model of arterial thrombosis. When injected into baboons, intact IgG and its F(ab')(2) fragments caused almost immediate thrombocytopenia, whereas injection of the Fab fragments alone did not. Fab fragments were subsequently used to investigate their in vivo effect on platelet deposition onto a thrombogenic device, consisting of collagen-rich, glutaraldehyde-fixed bovine pericardium (0.6 cm(2)), at a wall shear rate ranging from 700 to 1000 s(-1). Baboons were either pretreated with Fabs to study the effect of inhibition on platelet adhesion or treated 6 minutes after placement of the thrombogenic device to investigate the effect on interplatelet cohesion. Pretreatment of the animals with bolus doses ranging from 80 to 640 microgram/kg Fab fragments significantly reduced (111)In-labeled platelet deposition onto the collagen surface by approximately 43% to 65%. Only the highest dose caused a significant prolongation (doubling) of the bleeding time. Ex vivo ristocetin-induced platelet agglutination was equally reduced. Treatment with a bolus of 110 microgram/kg Fab fragments after a thrombus was allowed to form for 6 minutes had no effect on further platelet deposition. We therefore conclude that Fab fragments or derivatives of inhibitory anti-GPIb antibodies may be useful compounds to prevent thrombosis.     

Localization of Fibril/Microfibril and Basement Membrane Collagens in Diabetic Glomerulosclerosis in Type 2 Diabetes

Collagen is one of the major components of the extracellular matrices of the kidney. Basement membrane collagen, type IV collagen, is the major component in normal glomeruli. Fibril and interstitial collagen such as type III collagen, type V collagen, and type VI collagen are minor components of glomerular extracellular matrices and are localized mainly in the interstitium. Diabetic glomerulosclerosis is characterized by the expansion of the glomerular mesangial matrix as well as by thickening of the glomerular basement membrane. In order to clarify the roles of these various types of collagen in the development of diabetic glomerulosclerosis, immunohistochemical studies were perfomed in kidney specimens from patients with Type 2 diabetes. Early glomerulosclerosis is characterized by expansion of mesangial matrix with basement membrane collagen. However, in later stages glomerulosclerosis is characterized by an increase in the minor collagen components, such as type V and type VI collagen or collagens not normally present, such as type III collagen. Mesangial cells are known to synthesize all these types of collagen. In diabetes, phenotypic change in mesangial cells might produce excess amounts of fibril and interstitial collagen such as type III, type V, and type VI collagen, thus, leading to glomerulosclerosis.     

The role of platelet membrane glycoproteins Ib and IIb-IIIa in platelet adherence to human artery subendothelium

Platelet adherence to human artery subendothelium in blood from eight normal subjects, four patients with Glanzmann's thrombasthenia (deficiency of platelet membrane glycoproteins IIb and IIIa: GPIIb-IIIa), two patients with Bernard-Soulier syndrome (deficiency of platelet membrane glycoprotein Ib: GPIb) and one patient with von Willebrand's disease (VWD subtype III. deficient in factor VIII-von Willebrand factor: FVIII-VWF) was compared at various wall shear rates (300, 500, 1000, 1800 and 2500 s-1). Platelet adherence in blood from the patients with Glanzmann's thrombasthenia was within the normal range at shear rates below 1000 s-1. There was some decrease in adhesion at higher shear rates and platelets were less spread out on the subendothelium than normally at all shear rates. Platelet aggregate formation was almost totally absent. Platelet adherence in blood from patients with the Bernard-Soulier syndrome was strongly impaired at all shear rates. Platelet adherence in blood from the patient with VWD subtype III was normal at shear rates of 300 and 500 s-1, but impaired at shear rates above 1000 s-1. Aggregate formation was also decreased at these shear rates. Platelet adhesion was strongly inhibited by a monoclonal antibody against glycoprotein Ib, which had previously been shown to inhibit ristocetin-induced aggregation, at shear rates of 500 and 1800 s-1 but not at 300 s-1. Platelet adhesion at 1800 s-1 was also inhibited, though to a lesser extent, by two antibodies against GPIIb-IIIa. These antibodies also inhibited platelet aggregate formation. The data indicates that GPIb is involved in adhesion at the same shear rates as von Willebrand factor. Absence or inhibition of GPIIb-IIIa primarily causes a defect of aggregate formation but GPIIb-IIIa may also play a role in adhesion, particularly at high shear rates. The defect of adhesion in the Bernard-Soulier syndrome may be dependent on factors other than a deficiency of GPIb alone.