Covalent crosslinking of human coagulation factor V by activated factor XIII from guinea pig megakaryocytes and human plasma

Coagulation factor V (FV) has been shown to be synthesized in both the liver and megakaryocytes. We now present evidence that FV can be covalently crosslinked by an enzyme originating from megakaryocytes to form polymeric multimers of factor V. The guinea pig megakaryocyte enzyme appears to be factor XIIIa since the FV-crosslinking activity (1) had an absolute requirement for Ca++, (2) was completely inhibited by iodoacetamide, 5,5'-dithiobis- (2-nitrobenzoic acid), p- chloromercuribenzene sulfonic acid, and N-ethylmaleimide, all known alkylators of the thiol group at the active site of the factor XIIIa, (3) was blocked by known pseudoamine donor substrates of factor XIIIa including dansylcadaverine and putrescine, and (4) could be directly demonstrated in the guinea pig megakaryocyte lysate by a specific activity staining procedure. No tranglutaminase was detected in guinea pig megakaryocytes in contrast to red cells and liver. A similar pattern of covalent crosslinking of human FV by purified activated human plasma factor XIII was also demonstrated. Analysis of the crosslinked products of FV formed by the guinea pig enzyme by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) indicates the formation of intermediate as well as higher molecular weight polymers, suggesting that the crosslinking is a stepwise polymerization process.     

Biology of human megakaryocyte factor V

To learn more about human megakaryocyte coagulation cofactor V (FV), we studied the expression of this protein in normal bone marrow megakaryocytes and in megakaryocytes cloned from their colony-forming unit in FV-depleted plasma clot cultures. Mouse monoclonal antibodies directed against either the light chain or an activation peptide of human FV and a rabbit polyclonal, monospecific FV antiserum were used as probes for these experiments in conjunction with a variety of immunochemical detection techniques. All morphologically recognizable megakaryocytes were shown to contain FV. The origin of this protein appeared to be both from FV bound to the cell as well as from endogenous FV in the majority of cells examined. The existence of a population of small bone marrow mononuclear cells that simultaneously expressed platelet glycoproteins and FV was also noted. Such cells represented approximately 70% of all small cells positive for platelet glycoproteins. In contrast, only about 40% of megakaryocyte colonies cloned in FV-deficient medium contained cells with immunochemically detectable FV. FV expression was most clearly demonstrated in large cells in the colonies, whereas smaller, presumably less mature cells labeled weakly or not at all. Synthesis of FV by human megakaryocytes was documented using elutriation-enriched cells incubated in 35S-methionine-containing medium. Megakaryocyte lysates and medium conditioned by these cells were subjected to immunoaffinity column purification. Column eluates analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and autoradiography revealed radioactive bands comigrating with the heavy and light chains of thrombin-activated FV. These studies suggest that human megakaryocytes both bind and synthesize FV. Expression of these traits appears to be related to cell maturation, with binding ability appearing earlier than the ability to synthesize this protein. Finally, although the ability to bind FV appears to be universal among megakaryocytes, our culture data suggest that synthesis may be a restricted, or constitutively expressed property of these cells.     

The significance of megakaryocyte size

Normal guinea pig and human megakaryocytes in suspension were measured with an optical micrometer. The range of megakaryocyte diameters in both species was from 10 to about 65 micrometer. Approximately 20%-25% of megakaryocytes were smaLler than 20 micrometer in diameter and were mostly missed in past studies. However, virtually the entire population of megakaryocytes was larger than all but a very small percent of the other marrow cells. This size range and the existence of a visual threshold size between the megakaryocytes and nonmegakaryocytes were confirmed by flow cytometric analysis of fresh unfixed cells. On human bone marrow smears there was some flattening of all cell types, but the megakaryocytes were consistently at least minimally greater in size than almost all the nonmegakaryocytes. Normal marrow cells greater than 20 micrometer in diameter were always megakaryocytes. Cells 14-20 micrometer were still noticeably larger than the general marrow population; thus easily found, they could be examined for specific morphological criteria. Size, therefore, is a useful first criterion for the identification of megakaryocytes. The larger sizes of megakaryocytes were related to their greater DNA content per cell (polyploidy) compared to nonmegakaryocytes. The relationship between megakaryocyte size, ploidy, and maturation was examined by the simultaneous measurement for the first time of each of these parameters in the same cell. Maturation was quantitated by the new scheme based on the progressive changes in megakaryocytes nuclear configuration. Within each maturation stage the mean cell volume of guinea pig megakaryocytes doubled with each ploidy doubling. Within each ploidy group, the sizes of megakaryocytes increased with maturation stage. However, maturation and polyploidization appear to be linked; the data showed that 80% of the low ploidy (4N-8N) megakaryocytes were immature and that 95% of the platelet-shedding megakaryocytes were 16N-32N.     

Interaction of ristocetin and bovine plasma with guinea pig megakaryocytes: a means to enrich megakaryocytes based on membrane rather than physical characteristics

We have investigated whether megakaryocytes can be aggregated by ristocetin and bovine plasma and whether such aggregation can be used as a step in the purification of megakaryocytes from marrow cell suspensions. Guinea pig marrow cell suspensions were first enriched for megakaryocytes by density equilibrium centrifugation in continuous Percoll density gradients. The megakaryocyte-enriched marrow was stirred in a platelet aggregometer to which ristocetin or bovine plasma was added. Megakaryocytes were aggregated by both ristocetin and bovine plasma with the proportion aggregated being related to the concentration of ristocetin or bovine plasma. Maximal aggregation (greater than 90% of megakaryocytes) was achieved with 2.0 mg/mL ristocetin or 5% bovine plasma and required five minutes. All maturation stages of morphologically recognizable megakaryocytes were aggregated. The megakaryocyte aggregates were separated from the marrow suspension by sedimentation at 1 g and the megakaryocytes disaggregated by dilution with media (ristocetin aggregated) or addition of dextran sulfate (bovine plasma aggregated). Megakaryocyte purity and recovery were higher with bovine plasma than with ristocetin. A mean of 92% of the megakaryocytes in the bovine plasma aggregated cell suspensions were recovered with megakaryocytes constituting an average of 76% of the final cell suspensions. The viability as well as the diameters and DNA content distribution of these megakaryocytes were similar to those of the starting population. We conclude that guinea pig megakaryocytes behave like platelets in that they can be aggregated with ristocetin or bovine plasma and that megakaryocyte aggregation induced by ristocetin or bovine plasma provides a means to enrich these cells based on membrane rather than physical characteristics. This approach yields purified megakaryocyte populations that are representative of those in unfractionated marrow.     

Endocytosis of fibrinogen into megakaryocyte and platelet alpha- granules is mediated by alpha IIb beta 3 (glycoprotein IIb-IIIa) [published erratum appears in Blood 1993 Nov 1;82(9):2936]

Recently, we showed that platelet alpha-granule fibrinogen is derived entirely from endocytic uptake and not from megakaryocyte synthesis, as previously thought. In this present report, we identify the receptor that mediates endocytosis. We have found that barbourin, a unique disintegrin that is a specific antagonist of alpha IIb beta 3, inhibits the endocytic uptake of fibrinogen into alpha-granules. Continuous intravenous infusion of barbourin (200 micrograms/h) into guinea pigs blocked collagen-induced platelet aggregation as well as endocytosis of biotinylated fibrinogen into megakaryocytes; however, endocytosis of biotinylated albumin by megakaryocytes was not affected. Thus, we have shown that endocytosis of fibrinogen into megakaryocyte and platelet alpha-granules is receptor-mediated, and that alpha IIb beta 3 is the primary receptor.     

Sialic acid in mature megakaryocytes: detection by wheat germ agglutinin

The characteristics of the surface of guinea pig megakaryocytes were investigated with wheat germ agglutinin (WGA). Purified guinea pig megakaryocytes and platelets were incubated with WGA conjugated with rhodamine, cytocentrifuged, and then exposed to Chromomycin A3 for the assessment of ploidy. The fluorescence emission of the DNA-Chromomycin complex was similar to that of fluorescein, and thus both rhodamine-WGA and Chromomycin A3 fluorescence could be analyzed in the same cell. Ploidy was assessed by microdensitometry of Chromomycin A3 fluorescence. Eight hundred megakaryocytes were analyzed by four parameters: (1) labeling by WGA, (2) ploidy, (3) morphological stage, and (4) size. The results were analyzed by a computer-assisted program. Although all platelets had reacted with WGA, only about half of the isolated megakaryocytes had been labeled by the lectin. The analysis of the megakaryocytes that had reacted revealed that 72% of stage III and 77% of stage IV megakaryocytes as compared with 35% of stage I and 29% of stage II cells had been labeled by the lectin. WGA reacted with 44% of 8N megakaryocytes and 60% and 59% of 16N and 32N cells. However, WGA labeling was independent of megakaryocyte size. The digestion of 15% and 48% of megakaryocyte sialic acid with neuraminidase from Vibrio cholera resulted in a 67% and 89% decrease in the binding of rhodamine- WGA, respectively, as determined by microdensitometry. The study indicated that sialic acid serves as a receptor for WGA and that sialoglycoproteins and possibly gangliosides become exposed on the surface of mature megakaryocytes. WGA can recognize mature megakaryocytes by biochemical criteria and the assessment of lectin binding could complement the morphological staging of megakaryocytes.     

Characterization of the megakaryocyte secretory response: studies of continuously monitored release of endogenous ATP

Megakaryocytes share a number of structural and chemical properties with their progeny, blood platelets. With the availability of highly purified preparations of megakaryocytes isolated from guinea pig bone marrow, it is now also possible to study functional aspects of these cells. The present work reports the first study of the release of endogenously stored materials in megakaryocytes. Guinea pig megakaryocytes isolated to 75%-90% purity were exposed to thrombin or calcium ionophore (A23187) and the release of ATP was continuously monitored with the luciferin-luciferase reaction. Both maximal extent and initial rate of release were studied. Thrombin-induced release was half-maximal at thrombin concentrations of 0.2-0.5 NIH U/ml. At 4 U/ml thrombin, maximal release was 538 +/- 147 nmole ATP/10(9) megakaryocytes. A23187 induced half-maximal responses at concentrations of 7-8 microM. ATP release by ionophore showed a nearly absolute requirement for extracellular calcium, with release by thrombin showing only a partial calcium dependence. Following overnight culture, the response to thrombin was unchanged, whereas ATP release in response to ionophore was consistently increased (p less than 0.01). By comparison of maximally releasable ATP with total cellular ATP content, the storage pool of ATP in megakaryocytes was determined to comprise only 2%-6% of total megakaryocyte ATP, in contrast to an ATP storage pool of 20%-30% in guinea pig platelets. This difference may reflect further entry of ATP into the storage pool compartment or an enhanced ability of the cell to recognize and respond fully to platelet stimuli as the megakaryocyte reaches full maturity.     

Endocytosis of fibrinogen into hamster megakaryocyte alpha granules is dependent on a dimeric gamma A configuration

Two species of fibrinogen that differ only in the structure of their gamma chains, gamma A and gamma', are present in normal plasma. Fibrinogen stored in platelet alpha granules does not contain gamma' chains. Because platelet fibrinogen was recently shown to be derived exclusively by receptor-mediated endocytosis from plasma and not by endogenous megakaryocyte synthesis, we postulated that the gamma' fibrinogen present in plasma is not endocytosed by megakaryocytes and platelets. We tested this hypothesis by studying endocytosis of peak 1 (containing two gamma A chains) and peak 2 (containing one gamma A and one gamma' chain) fractions of human fibrinogen obtained from diethyl aminoethyl (DEAE) cellulose chromatography in an in vivo hamster model. When 10 mg of biotinylated, unfractionated, or peak 1 fibrinogen was injected intravenously, each protein was endocytosed into megakaryocytes and platelets within 24 hours. In contrast, equivalent doses of biotinylated peak 2 fibrinogen and bovine serum albumin were barely detectable within megakaryocytes and platelets. We conclude that gamma' fibrinogen is not endocytosed and incorporated into megakaryocytes and platelet alpha granules. Furthermore, a dimeric gamma A-chain configuration is required for receptor-mediated endocytosis of fibrinogen into these organelles.     

The acylation of megakaryocyte proteins: glycoprotein IX is primarily myristoylated while glycoprotein Ib is palmitoylated

The acylation of megakaryocyte proteins was studied with special emphasis on the myristoylation and palmitoylation of the glycoprotein (GP) Ib complex. Guinea pig megakaryocytes were purified and separated into subpopulations at different phases of maturation. Cells were incubated with [3H]myristate, [3H]palmitate, or [3H]acetate to study endogenous protein acylation. Cycloheximide was used to distinguish between cotranslational and posttranslational acylation and hydroxylamine to distinguish between thioester and amide linkages. After incubations, delipidated proteins or GPIb complex subunits, immunoprecipitated with PG-1, AN-51 or FMC-25 monoclonal antibody, were separated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and assessed by fluorography. Radiolabeled fatty acids bound to GPIX and GPIb were also analyzed by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) and scintillation spectrometry. With [3H]myristic acid and [3H]acetate, GPIX was found to be a major myristoylated protein in megakaryocytes and CHRF-288 cells. Myristic acid was linked to GPIX by an amide bond, and this process occurred cotranslationally. With [3H]acetate, GPIb was primarily palmitoylated, but with [3H]myristate, GPIb was acylated with about equal mounts of myristic acid and palmitic acids. Both fatty acids were linked to GPIb by thioester bonds, and acylation was posttranslational. The myristoylation of GPIX while the palmitoylation of GPIb occurred throughout megakaryocyte maturation. Myristoylation and palmitoylation may have different functions relevant to the assembly of the GPIb complex in megakaryocytes.     

Synthesis of proteins from [35S]methionine by guinea pig megakaryocytes in vivo and time course of appearance of newly synthesized proteins in platelets

The relationship of protein synthesis to megakaryocyte maturation has been studied in guinea pigs in vivo. Guinea pigs were injected with a single dose of [35S]methionine. Megakaryocytes and platelets were isolated daily for 4 days, and proteins from both cells were isolated by DEAE-Sephacel chromatography and analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and fluorography. All proteins in megakaryocytes corresponding to stained bands on the SDS-PAGE gels were radiolabeled at 3 hours after injection. The greatest loss of radioactivity from the megakaryocytes occurred between 1 and 3 days after injection. Only trace labeling of platelet proteins was seen at 3 hours, representing almost entirely three bands at molecular weights 47,000, 52,000, and 66,000. At 24 hours only about 13% of the maximal labeling was present, but not all proteins were labeled. The maximal labeling was at 3 days. The pattern of labeling of platelets at 3 days was identical to that of megakaryocytes at 3 hours. The protein pattern of nonmegakaryocytic marrow cells was different from that of the platelets and megakaryocytes. Data presented here suggest that most protein synthesis in megakaryocytes is completed at least 24 hours before release of the platelets to the circulation, and suggest some specificity in the proteins that are synthesized at the terminal stages of maturation.     

Collagenase production by guinea pig megakaryocytes in vitro

Cultured guinea pig bone marrow megakaryocytes were found to secrete a 92-kd collagenase that was detected by digestion of gelatin in a polyacrylamide substrate gel assay. Neither casein or bovine serum albumin were digested by this enzyme. The enzyme is a neutral metalloprotease. Its secretion is increased by thrombin (1.0 U/ml) and phorbol myristate acetate (10 ng/ml) and is unaffected by prostaglandin E1 (10 microM). In the absence of serum, gelatinase secretion is inhibited, but it can be stimulated by cytochalasin D (1.0 microgram/ml). Gelatinase activity in the medium from megakaryocytes cultured on rat tail collagen gel is decreased. Medium from megakaryocytes cultured on Matrigel contains a second gelatinase of 90 kd. Addition of the tetrapeptide RGDS to the cultures on Matrigel blocks the appearance of the 90-kd gelatinase. Platelets contained both a 92- and a 90-kd gelatinase that was detected only after thrombin activation. The results indicate that megakaryocytes can secrete a collagenase, and its secretion may be in part controlled by interaction with the extracellular matrix. The appearance of the 90-kd gelatinase may be associated with megakaryocyte maturation and platelet formation.     

The effect of partially purified thrombopoietin on guinea pig megakaryocyte ploidy in vitro

Enriched populations of guinea pig bone marrow megakaryocytes were prepared by density gradient and velocity centrifugation and maintained in liquid cultures for 24 or 48 h. The resulting megakaryocyte preparations were of 86.1% +/- 5.5% purity. After 24 or 48 h in liquid culture, recovery of viable cells was 77% +/- 11% or 83% +/- 13%, respectively. Megakaryocyte cultures were supplemented with 100-200 micrograms/ml of either a lectin-fractionated preparation of thrombopoietin (TPO) from the plasma of thrombocytopenic rabbits or an identically prepared protein fraction from non-thrombocytopenic animals. Addition of TPO resulted in a significant increase (p less than 0.05) in both the proportion and total numbers of 32N megakaryocytes and a significant decrease (p less than 0.05) in the relative frequency of 8N megakaryocytes. In most experiments, a decrease in the total number of 8N megakaryocytes also was noted. These results indicate that partially purified TPO is able to increase the ploidy (DNA levels) of megakaryocytes in vitro.     

Megakaryocyte interaction with subendothelial extracellular matrix is associated with adhesion, platelet-like shape change, and thromboxane A2 production

We have examined the morphological and secretory behavior of rat and guinea pig megakaryocytes exposed for up to 24 hours to extracellular matrix produced by cultured bovine endothelial cells. By phase-contrast microscopy of living cells and in more detail by scanning electron microscopy, the megakaryocytes showed a nonreversible adherence, an extensive formation of filopodia around the periphery like the rays of the sun, and a tendency toward flattening. These filopodia were generally linear with attenuated tips and were larger than, but resembled the filopodia of, rat or guinea pig platelets exposed to this extracellular matrix. In contrast, isolated megakaryocytes on glass or on uncoated plastic surfaces did not show these responses; adherence, in the face of gentle agitation before fixation, was minimal, with rare filopodia and no flattening. Megakaryocytes that interacted with the extracellular matrix produced significant amounts of thromboxane A2, but this did not occur on uncoated surfaces and could not be attributed to other contaminating cells in the megakaryocyte suspensions. The appearance in megakaryocytes of these typical platelet responses indicates that megakaryocytes acquire the functional capabilities of platelets by the synthesis and assembly of platelet substances and organelles. Thromboxane production by megakaryocytes stimulated by the extracellular matrix is a readily quantifiable measure of this capacity.     

The synthesis and localization of alternatively spliced fibronectin EIIIB in resting and thrombin-treated megakaryocytes

There are several species of alternatively spliced fibronectin (FN). One of these, FN EIIIB, is primarily present in embryonic and in proliferating and migrating cells and is believed to be important for cell maturation. We have studied the synthesis, localization, and secretion of this FN isoform in isolated guinea pig megakaryocytes, nonmegakaryocytic bone marrow cells, and platelets. There was 7.5 times more general FN in megakaryocytes than in nonmegakaryocytic cells based on the analysis of equivalent amounts of protein. FN EIIIB was detected by Western blotting in megakaryocytes but not in nonmegakaryocytic cells present in bone marrow. Neither megakaryocytes nor platelets secreted FN EIIIB, while megakaryocytes secreted 25.3% +/- 4.6% general FN and platelets secreted about 61% general FN in response to thrombin. Analysis of immunostained cells by confocal microscopy revealed that FN EIIIB had been redistributed to the surface of megakaryocytes in response to thrombin. Synthesis was studied by metabolic labeling, and megakaryocytes were shown to synthesize FN and FN EIIIB. Thus, megakaryocytes and platelets are among a small number of adult cells and tissues that synthesize and contain FN EIIIB. The expression of FN EIIIB on the megakaryocyte surface may influence migration and maturation.     

Transglutaminase from Hair Follicle of Guinea Pig

Two transglutaminases are found in homogenates of the inner root sheaths of guinea pig hair-follicles. One is indistinguishable from the well-characterized liver transglutaminase [J. Biol. Chem., 246, 1093 (1971)]. The other, which is present in far greater quantity, has not been detected in other organs or tissues. Gel filtration and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis studies indicate that the native hair-follicle enzyme, of molecular weight 54,000, is composed of two subunits of identical molecular weight. Specificity studies suggest that the intermolecular cross-linking of fibrin and fibrinogen that is catalyzed by this enzyme is a result of the formation of epsilon(gamma-glutamyl)lysine bonds. The probable participation of hair-follicle transglutaminase in the formation of these cross-links in the proteins of hair is discussed.     

Sinusoidal endothelial cells from guinea pig liver synthesize and secrete cellular fibronectin in vitro

Endothelial liver cells were obtained from guinea pig by enzymatic digestion and centrifugal elutriation. Cells were cultured on gelatin and fibronectin pretreated culture vessels. Endothelial cells were characterized by phase-contrast microscopy, electron microscopy and the presence of Factor VIII-related antigen. Fibronectin secretion was determined in cell-free supernatants by a sensitive and specific ELISA and localized on fixed cultured cells by immunofluorescence. [35S]Methionine endogeneously labeled fibronectin was immunoprecipitated from supernatants and cellular lysates and displayed on sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide slab gel electrophoresis. After attachment to the culture vessel, one day after plating, endothelial cells start to produce fibronectin as measured by ELISA and demonstrated by immunoprecipitation and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Secretion of fibronectin increases as cells proliferate to form a confluent monolayer. By immunofluorescence, fibronectin is visualized inside permeabilized cells and as a fibrillar network on the cell surface. Underneath the cell bodies, fibronectin-positive material is present as short strands. From supernatants and cellular lysates, fibronectin is immunoprecipitated with an apparent Mr of about 235,000 obviously larger than plasma fibronectin with an Mr of 220,000, which behaves electrophoretically like fibronectin isolated from early hepatocyte cultures. As endothelial cells incorporate [3H]fucose in fibronectin, whereas hepatocytes do not, we conclude that endothelial cells in contrast to hepatocytes produce cellular fibronectin. Endothelial cells, therefore, are probably the cellular source of the fibronectin present in the space of Disse. The significance of this finding with respect to fibrotic liver disease is discussed.     

Immunohistochemical localization of membrane and alpha-granule proteins in plastic-embedded mouse bone marrow megakaryocytes and murine megakaryocyte colonies

Using an immunoperoxidase technique that permits optimal antigen localization at the light microscope level, we have detected two platelet alpha-granule constituents and three platelet membrane glycoproteins in mouse bone marrow megakaryocytes and in murine megakaryocyte colonies grown in soft agar culture for three to seven days. Using polyclonal antibodies prepared against human platelet proteins, we have demonstrated labeling for von Willebrand factor, fibrinogen, and the membrane glycoproteins IIIa and GMP-140 in both bone marrow megakaryocytes and megakaryocyte colonies after seven days of culture. Using monoclonal antibodies to membrane glycoproteins IIb and GMP-140, we have demonstrated label in mouse bone marrow megakaryocytes. Granulocyte and macrophage colonies were negative for each of these markers. Murine bone marrow megakaryocytes and megakaryocyte colonies demonstrated a similar enzyme histochemical pattern: weakly positive for alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase and negative for chloroacetate esterase. These data indicate that megakaryocytes grown in soft agar culture express many of the same glycoproteins as bone marrow megakaryocytes. Furthermore, the ability of antibodies directed against human platelet membrane glycoproteins to identify murine megakaryocyte glycoproteins indicates that these constituents have been highly conserved during evolution.     

Erythroid blast crisis in chronic myelogenous leukemia

Blood or bone marrow specimens from 22 patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia in blast crisis were studied for the surface expression of glycophorin-A, a marker for early erythroid differentiation. The leukemic blasts were stained with rabbit anti- glycophorin-A antiserum. The glycophorin-A molecules detected by the rabbit antiserum were identified by polyacrylamide slab gel electrophoresis of the immunoprecipitates from the membrane lysates of surface-labeled blasts. Blasts expressing surface glycophorin-A were found in 9 of the 22 patients. In 4 patients, almost all blasts were glycophorin-A positive, and in 5 patients, less than half of the blast population expressed glycophorin-A. The present study shows that when glycophorin-A is used as a marker for erythroid blasts, involvement of the erythroid lineage during blast crisis of chronic myelogenous leukemia seems to occur more frequently than previously recognized.     

The transglutaminase in vascular cells and tissues could provide an alternate pathway for fibrin stabilization

A thrombin-independent transglutaminase (TG) has been identified in vascular cells and tissues from human, rabbit, rat, porcine, and bovine sources. The vascular TG had several properties that were similar but not identical to guinea pig liver TG. Both enzymes had similar chromatographic and electrophoretic properties, preferentially cross- linked the alpha-chains of fibrinogen, and reacted with polyclonal and monoclonal anti-guinea-pig liver TG antibodies. However, the TG from adult bovine aortic endothelial (ABAE) cells exhibited a novel Ca2+/Mg2+ dependence for enzymatic activity that was distinct from that of purified guinea pig liver TG. The mol wt of the vascular TG (79 +/- 3 kd) determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) was slightly lower than the purified guinea pig liver TG (85 +/- 9 kd). The TG antigen was detected by immunohistochemical techniques in association with the endothelial and smooth muscle cells of arteries, veins, venules, and capillaries. The TG antigen also codistributed with the fibronectin antigen along the hepatic sinusoids. The ABAE cell TG cross-linked alpha 2-plasmin inhibitor to fibrinogen and caused the modified fibrinogen to be 40- fold more resistant to plasminolysis. A thrombin-independent TG in vascular cells of blood vessels could provide an alternate pathway to inhibit fibrinolysis and promote fibrin stabilization.