Identification and partial characterization of human platelet C1q binding sites

We recently showed that human blood platelets bind the complement component, C1q, and mAb directed against lymphoblastoid C1q receptors in a specific and saturable manner. To identify and further characterize platelet C1q binding sites, human platelets were washed, solubilized in Triton X-100 and either subjected to SDS-PAGE and Western blotting by using monoclonal (II1/D1) and polyclonal antibodies recognizing C1qR on lymphoblastoid cells, or applied to a C1q-Sepharose affinity column under low ionic strength conditions (20 mM NaCl). Adherent proteins were eluted with buffer containing 300 mM NaCl. Western blotting with monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies directed against C1qR showed exclusive reactivity with a 67,000 m.w. protein possessing intrachain disulfide bonds. SDS-PAGE of C1q-Sepharose eluates also revealed the presence of a 67,000 protein which was accompanied to varying degrees by a 94,000 constituent. Because similar m.w., 125I-labeled proteins were recovered from C1q-Sepharose columns to which lysed, surface-labeled platelets had been applied, both 94,000 and 67,000 components appear to be platelet membrane constituents. The 94,000 and 67,000 species, however, appear to be antigenically distinct. The 94,000 protein was immunoprecipitated by polyclonal antibodies against platelet membrane glycoprotein IIIa but not polyclonal antibodies against C1qR, whereas the 67,000 protein was immunoprecipitated exclusively by the polyclonal anti-C1qR antibody. The 67,000 protein thus appears to represent platelet C1q binding sites resembling C1qR on lymphoblastoid cells.     

Human blood platelets possess specific binding sites for C1q

Although platelet interactions with C1q are implied by the inhibitory effect of C1q on collagen-induced platelet aggregation, specific receptors have not as yet been identified. To address the question of platelet receptors for free C1q, direct radioligand binding studies were performed by using human blood platelets and purified, 125I-labeled C1q, and a monoclonal antibody (II1/D1) (IgM, lambda) directed against C1q receptors on peripheral blood leukocytes. Washed platelets bound both purified 125I-labeled C1q and II1/D1 in a specific and saturable manner under physiologic ionic strength conditions. At equilibrium, approximately 4000 molecules of C1q bound per platelet with an apparent dissociation constant of 3.5 X 10(-7) M. Maximum C1q binding was achieved in 5 min and correlated well with inhibition of collagen-induced platelet aggregation. Equilibrium binding of 125I-labeled II1/D1 to washed platelets required an incubation period of 15 to 30 min and II1/D1 concentrations approaching 50 micrograms/ml. Approximately 2000 molecules of II1/D1 bound per platelet, with an apparent dissociation constant of 2.8 X 10(-8) M. II1/D1 binding could be inhibited by the collagenous tail of C1q (c-C1q), suggesting that platelet receptors for these ligands are either the same or in close proximity. The data demonstrate that human blood platelets possess specific and saturable binding sites for free C1q that may function as collagen receptors, and may antigenically resemble C1q receptors on peripheral blood leukocytes.     

C-reactive protein and C1q regulate platelet adhesion and activation on adsorbed immunoglobulin G and albumin

Blood platelets and C-reactive protein (CRP) are both used clinically as markers of ongoing inflammation, and both participate actively in inflammatory responses, although the biological effects are still incompletely understood. Rapidly adhering platelets express receptors for complement factor 1q (C1q) and the Fc part of immunoglobulin G (IgG), and CRP is known to activate/regulate complement via C1q binding, and to ligate FcgammaRs. In the present study, we used normal human IgG pre-adsorbed to a well-characterized methylated surface as a model solid-phase immune complex when investigating the effects of CRP and C1q on platelet adhesion and activation. Protein adsorption was characterized using ellipsometry and polyclonal antibodies, and human serum albumin (HSA) and non-coated surfaces were used as reference surfaces. Platelet adhesion to IgG and HSA was inhibited by both C1q and CRP. Furthermore, CRP (moderately) and C1q (markedly) decreased the spreading of adhering platelets. The combination of C1q and CRP was slightly more potent in reducing cell adhesion to IgG, and also impaired the adhesion to HSA and non-coated surfaces. Platelet production of thromboxane B2 (TXB(2)) was also reduced by C1q both in the presence and absence of CRP, whereas CRP alone had no effect on TXB(2) production. We conclude that CRP and C1q regulate the behaviour of platelets, and that this may be an important immunoregulatory mechanism during inflammatory conditions.     

Participation of C1q and its receptor in adherence of human diploid fibroblast

C1q binds through its collagen-like domain to specific surface receptors of fibroblasts and to adhesive elements of extracellular matrix including fibronectin, collagens, proteoglycans, and laminin. To determine whether C1q participates in fibroblast adhesion, cells in serum-free medium were plated on surfaces coated with purified C1q at physiologic ionic strength and pH. Surfaces coated with fibronectin or collagen type I served as positive controls, and those coated with BSA were negative controls. Substratum-adsorbed C1q promoted fibroblast adhesion to a maximum of 73% of available cells within 90 min at 37 degrees C. Adhesion was C1q concentration dependent, saturable, specific, and dependent on the collagen-like domain of the molecule. De novo protein synthesis plays a role in adhesion: pretreatment of fibroblasts with cycloheximide reduced adherence about 50% of controls. Addition of exogenous fibronectin, collagen type I, or C1q as soluble mediators did not affect adhesion of the cycloheximide-treated cells to C1q substrate. Adhesion could be accounted for primarily, although not completely, by the C1q receptors. Antibodies raised against the Raji cell C1q receptors (alpha C1qR Ab) specifically inhibited fibroblast adhesion to C1q substrates about 60% of controls. The binding of fibroblasts to C1q substrates could be inhibited about 24% of controls with the GRGDTP cell recognition peptide. GRGDTP and alpha C1q Ab had an additive effect on adhesion that was inhibited 77 to 80% of controls. We conclude from these data that aggregated rather than monomeric C1q may be the natural ligand of the fibroblast C1q receptor, and the biologic function of the receptor in cells of the connective tissue may be cell adhesion.     

C1q (c1) receptor on human platelets: inhibition of collagen-induced platelet aggregation by C1q (C1) molecules.

Hemolytically active human C1q incubated with EA before the addition of complement inhibited the immune hemolysis. On the contrary, heat-inactivated preparation (30 min 56 degrees C) was ineffective. Preincubation of EA with bovine collagen also resulted in a decreased hemolysis. When aggregation was measured by a turbidimetric method in citrated human platelet-rich plasma, it was found that hemolytically active human C1q (C1) alone does not induce platelet aggregation. However, in its presence the platelets failed to aggregate or exhibited a significantly reduced aggregation response to bovine collagen. The inhibition by C1q depended on the preincubation time with platelets. Heat treatment (30 min 56 degrees C) destroyed the inhibitory action of C1q (C1). The effect of C1q proved to be highly specific because different C1q preparations at their inhibitory doses in collagen-induced platelet aggregation did not influence the response to other aggregating agents (bovine thrombin, ADP, horse anti-human thymocyte globulin, goat anti-baboon platelet antiserum). The results prove that collagen and C1q are capable of binding to the same site(s); namely, to those of EA and human platelets; furthermore, they suggest the presence of a receptor for C1q (C1) on human platelets.     

Isolation and function of a human endothelial cell C1q receptor

It has been shown previously that cultured human venous and arterial endothelial cells (EC) bind C1q in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Cultured human endothelial cells express an average number of 5.2 x 10(5) binding sites/cell. In the present study the putative receptor for C1q (C1qR) was isolated from the membranes of 1-5 x 10(9) human umbilical cord EC by affinity chromatography on C1q-Sepharose. During isolation, C1qR was detected by its capacity to inhibit the lysis of EAC1q in C1q-deficient serum. The eluate from C1q-Sepharose was concentrated, dialysed and subjected to QAE-A50 chromatography and subsequently to gel filtration on HPLC-TSK 3000. C1qR filtered at an apparent molecular weight of 60 kDa. Purified C1qR exhibited an apparent molecular weight of 55-62 kDa in the unreduced state and a molecular weight of 64-68 kDa in reduced form. Two IgM monoclonal antibodies (mAb) D3 and D5 were raised following immunization of mice with purified receptor preparations. Both monoclonal antibodies increased the binding of (125)I-C1q to endothelial cells but F(ab')(2) anti-C1qR mAb inhibited the binding of a(125)I-C1q to EC in a dosedependent manner. The D3 mAb recognized a band of 54-60 kDa in Western blots of membranes of human EC and polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Previously, the authors showed that C1q induces the binding of IgM-containing immune complexes to EC. Therefore, it was hypothesized that during a primary immune response generation of IgM-IC may occur, resulting in binding and activation of C1, dissociation of activated C1 by C1 inhibitor and subsequent interaction of IgM-IC bearing C1q with EC-C1qR.     

RAGE binds C1q and enhances C1q-mediated phagocytosis

RAGE, the multiligand receptor of the immunoglobulin superfamily of cell surface molecules, is implicated in innate and adaptive immunity. Complement component C1q serves roles in complement activation and antibody-independent opsonization. Using soluble forms of RAGE (sRAGE) and RAGE-expressing cells, we determined that RAGE is a native C1q globular domain receptor. Direct C1q-sRAGE interaction was demonstrated with surface plasmon resonance (SPR), with minimum K(d) 5.6 μM, and stronger binding affinity seen in ELISA-like experiments involving multivalent binding. Pull-down experiments suggested formation of a receptor complex of RAGE and Mac-1 to further enhance affinity for C1q. C1q induced U937 cell adhesion and phagocytosis was inhibited by antibodies to RAGE or Mac-1. These data link C1q and RAGE to the recruitment of leukocytes and phagocytosis of C1q-coated material.     

Selective inactivation of the Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser (RGDS) binding site in von Willebrand factor by site-directed mutagenesis.

In order to assess the requirement for the Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser (RGDS) consensus adhesion sequence in von Willebrand factor (vWF) for vWF binding to platelets and endothelial cells, point mutations were introduced into this sequence by site-directed mutagenesis. A glycine to alanine substitution yielded RADS-vWF, while an aspartate to glutamate substitution resulted in RGES-vWF. Recombinant RADS-vWF and RGES-vWF, purified from transformed Chinese hamster ovary cells, were compared with recombinant wild type vWF (WT-vWF) in functional assays with platelets and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HU-VECs). High molecular weight RADS-vWF and RGES-vWF multimers inhibited binding of 125I-vWF to a mixture of insolubilized native type I and III collagen and competed effectively with 125I-vWF for binding to formalin-fixed platelets in the presence of ristocetin, indicating functional collagen and platelet glycoprotein Ib binding. However, RADS-vWF and RGES-vWF were unable to displace the binding of 125I-vWF to thrombin or ADP-activated platelets. The attachment of HUVECs to either RADS-vWF or RGES-vWF coated surfaces was reduced and spreading was almost completely inhibited, compared with WT-vWF. We conclude that point mutations of the RGDS sequence in vWF selectively impair binding to platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa and the HUVEC vitronectin receptor.     

The fibrinogen-derived peptide (RGDS) prevents proteolytic degradation of protein kinase C in platelets by inhibiting platelet aggregation

The effects of the fibrinogen-derived tetrapeptide, Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser (RGDS), on platelet activation processes was studied. At concentrations of 100-300 microM, RGDS completely prevented platelet aggregation induced by all the common platelet agonists, 'weak' and 'strong'. In agreement with earlier views on the aggregation-dependency of weak agonist-induced thromboxane synthesis and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5HT) secretion, RGDS (100-300 microM) inhibited these events induced by ADP, adrenaline and low concentrations of thrombin and collagen but not that induced by high concentrations of thrombin and collagen. 5HT secretion induced by the protein kinase C (PKC) activator, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), was also not affected by RGDS, but proteolytic degradation of the translocated membrane-bound enzyme in PMA-treated platelets, due to the actions of the Ca2+-dependent protease (Ca-DP), was completely prevented such that in the presence of RGDS, sustained increases in membrane-bound PKC activity were observed. PMA alone caused only transient increases in membrane-bound PKC. This effect of RGDS was similar to the effect of E64-d, a recently described inhibitor of Ca-DP in platelets, or the effects seen with PMA in unstirred non-aggregating platelets. It is concluded that RGDS inhibits the actions of Ca-DP in platelets via inhibition of aggregation.     

Functional analysis of a recombinant glycoprotein Ia/IIa (Integrin alpha(2)beta(1)) I domain that inhibits platelet adhesion to collagen and endothelial matrix under flow conditions

The interaction of platelets with collagen plays an important role in primary hemostasis. Glycoprotein Ia/IIa (GPIa/IIa, integrin alpha(2)beta(1)) is a major platelet receptor for collagen. The binding site for collagen has been mapped to the I domain within the alpha(2) subunit (GPIa). In order to assess the role of the alpha(2)-I domain structure in GPIa/IIa binding to collagen, a recombinant I domain (amino acids 126-337) was expressed in Escherichia coli. The alpha(2)-I protein bound human types I and III collagen in a saturable and divalent cation-dependent manner and was blocked by the alpha(2)beta(1) function blocking antibody 6F1. The alpha(2)-I protein inhibited collagen-induced platelet aggregation (IC(50) = 600 nM). Unexpectedly, 6F1, an antibody that fails to inhibit platelet aggregation in platelet-rich plasma, blocked the inhibitory effect of the alpha(2)-I protein. The alpha(2)-I protein was able to prevent platelet adhesion to a collagen surface exposed to flowing blood under low shear stress. Interestingly, it inhibited platelet adhesion to extracellular matrix at high shear stress. These results, taken together, provide firm evidence that GPIa/IIa directly mediates the first contact of platelets with collagen under both stirring and flow conditions.     

The alpha 2 beta 1 integrin cell surface collagen receptor binds to the alpha 1 (I)-CB3 peptide of collagen

We have previously shown that platelets adhere to collagen substrates via a Mg2(+)-dependent mechanism mediated by the surface glycoprotein Ia-IIa (human leukocyte very late activation protein 2, alpha 2 beta 1 integrin) complex. The adhesion is specific for collagen and is supported by collagen types I, II, III, IV, and VI. Several other members of the integrin family of adhesive protein receptors recognize discrete linear amino acid sequences within their adhesive glycoprotein ligands. Experiments with both intact platelets and with liposomes containing the purified receptor complex indicated that the alpha 2 beta 1 receptor recognized denatured type I collagen in a Mg2(+)-dependent manner. To further localize the binding site, the alpha 1 and alpha 2 chains of type I collagen were purified by gel filtration and ion exchange chromatography and tested as adhesive substrates. Both the alpha 1(I) and alpha 2(I) chains effectively supported Mg2(+)-dependent platelet adhesion. The purified alpha 1(I) collagen chain was then subjected to cleavage with cyanogen bromide, and the resultant peptides were separated by chromatography on carboxymethylcellulose. Only the alpha 1(I)-CB3 fragment supported Mg2(+)-dependent platelet adhesion. The monoclonal antibody P1H5 which recognizes an epitope on the alpha 2 subunit of the integrin receptor and which inhibits the adhesion of both intact platelets and liposomes bearing the purified receptor to collagen also inhibited platelet adhesion to the alpha 1(I)-CB3 fragment. These results indicate that the alpha 2 beta 1 receptor recognizes a sequence of amino acids present in the alpha 1(I)-CB3 fragment of type I collagen. An identical or similar sequence likely mediates binding of the receptor to other collagen polypeptides.     

A novel anti-platelet monoclonal antibody (3C7) specific for the complex of integrin alpha IIb beta3 inhibits platelet aggregation and adhesion

Activation or ligand binding induces conformational changes in alpha IIb beta3, resulting in exposure of neoepitopes named ligand-induced binding sites. We reported here a novel monoclonal antibody developed by using Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells expressing an activated alpha IIb beta3 mutant (CHO alpha IIb beta3Delta717) as the immunogen. This IgG 2b kappa named 3C7 was specific for the complex of alpha IIb beta3 as demonstrated by flow cytometry, immunoprecipitation, and EDTA chelating. The binding of 3C7 to platelets increased significantly when platelets were activated by ADP/thrombin or occupied by RGDS peptides, fibrinogen, or PAC-1, suggesting that 3C7 was an anti-ligand-induced binding site antibody. The antibody failed to bind to the CHO cells expressing another alpha IIb beta3 mutant (beta3Y178A) suggesting that the Cys177-Cys184 loop of beta3 was likely the epitope for 3C7. 3C7 inhibited platelet aggregation, which was initiated by ADP or thrombin in a dose-dependent manner (IC50s of 5.6 and 0.05 microg/ml, respectively). The antibody also inhibited platelet adhesion to immobilized fibrinogen but not to fibronectin or collagen. These findings suggested that 3C7 was a potent antagonist of integrin alpha IIb beta3 and a potential anti-thrombotic agent.     

Complement component C1q and its receptor are involved in the interaction of human sperm with zona-free hamster eggs

C1q is a component of the classical complement pathway that can react with the Fc-fragment of immunoglobulins and with other proteins, such as fibronectin, laminin, and a specific C1q receptor present on several cell types. Given its role in many adhesion systems, mainly related to phagocytosis, we tested the effects of C1q on the interaction between human spermatozoa and zona-free hamster eggs. The presence of C1q in the medium used for gamete coincubation resulted in promotion of sperm-oolemma adhesion and an inhibition of penetration. The number of adherent sperm per egg at 5 micrograms/ml concentration was 90 +/- 35 vs. 29 +/- 7 for the control (P less than 0.001). At 1 microgram/ml, the lower concentration at which C1q had an effect, the number of penetrating sperm/egg was 0.6 vs. 1.7 for the control without C1q (P less than 0.01), and the percent of penetrated eggs was 28% vs. 85%. At 50 micrograms/ml, the percent of penetrated eggs was 7%, with a penetration index of 0.07. The addition of C1q to the medium resulted in sperm agglutination, which varied between sperm donors. The presence of C1q receptors, as detected by anti-C1qR monoclonal antibodies (Mabs), was demonstrated both on zona-free hamster eggs by immunobead rosetting and on human spermatozoa by immunobead binding and indirect immunofluorescence. Mabs directed against different epitopes of C1qR had different effects on gamete interaction, with a partial inhibition of penetration mediated by some of them. The binding of C1q to antibody-free human spermatozoa was also demonstrated both by means of indirect immunofluorescence and utilizing 125I-C1q.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Production and characterization of a murine monoclonal IgM antibody to human C1q receptor (C1qR)

A hybridoma cell line that produces a monoclonal antibody (MAb) to cell surface C1q receptor (C1qR) has been produced by fusion of the P3 X 63-Ag8.653 mouse myeloma cell line with the spleen cells of a CD-1 mouse that had been hyperimmunized with viable Raji cell suspensions (5 X 10(7) cells/inoculum). This MAb, designated II1/D1, is an IgM antibody with lambda-light chain specificity. Radiolabeled or unlabeled, highly purified II1/D1 was used to determine that: this antibody competes for C1q binding sites on C1qR-bearing cells; the molecule recognized by this MAb is the C1qR; and cells that are known to bind C1q also bind II1/D1 in a specific manner. Western blot analysis of solubilized Raji, or U937 cell membranes, showed that the 125I-MAb detected a major protein band of approximately 85,000 m.w. in its unreduced state, indicating that the C1qR is similar, if not identical, in both types of cells. Analyses of 125I-II1/D1 binding experiments revealed that the antibody bound to Raji cells or U937 cells in a specific manner. Uptake of the antibody was saturable, with equilibrium virtually attained within 35 min. Scatchard analysis of the binding data using the intact MAb suggests that the affinity constant KD is 2.9 X 10(-10) M, and at apparent saturation, 24.6 ng of the antibody were bound per 2 X 10(6) cells, giving an estimated 7.8 X 10(3) antibody molecules bound per cell. That the II1/D1 antibody is specifically directed to the C1q was further evidenced by an ELISA in which the ability of C1qR-bearing cells to bind the MAb was abrogated by c-C1q in a specific and dose-dependent manner. These results indicate that the II1/D1 is a specific antibody directed against the C1q and can be a useful tool in studying the biologic interaction of human C1q with its receptors on a variety of cells.     

The function of multiple extracellular matrix receptors in mediating cell adhesion to extracellular matrix: preparation of monoclonal antibodies to the fibronectin receptor that specifically inhibit cell adhesion to fibronectin and react with platelet glycoproteins Ic-IIa

We have identified monoclonal antibodies that inhibit human cell adhesion to collagen (P1H5), fibronectin (P1F8 or P1D6), and collagen and fibronectin (P1B5) that react with a family of structurally similar glycoproteins referred to as extracellular matrix receptors (ECMRs) II, VI, and I, respectively. Each member of this family contains a unique alpha subunit, recognized by the antibodies, and a common beta subunit, each of approximately 140 kD. We show here that ECMR VI is identical to the fibronectin receptor (FNR), very late antigen (VLA) 5, and platelet glycoproteins Ic-IIa and shall be referred to as FNR. Monoclonal antibodies to FNR inhibit lymphocyte, fibroblast, and platelet adhesion to fibronectin-coated surfaces. ECMRs I, II, and FNR were differentially expressed in platelets, resting or activated lymphocytes, and myeloid, epithelial, endothelial, and fibroblast cell populations, suggesting a functional role for the receptors in vascular emigration and selective tissue localization. Tissue staining of human fetal skin localized ECMRs I and II to the basal epidermis primarily, while monoclonal antibodies to the FNR stained both the dermis and epidermis. Experiments carried out to investigate the functional roles of these receptors in mediating cell adhesion to complex extracellular matrix (ECM) produced by cells in culture revealed that complete inhibition of cell adhesion to ECM required antibodies to both the FNR and ECMR II, the collagen adhesion receptor. These results show that multiple ECMRs function in combination to mediate cell adhesion to complex EMC templates and predicts that variation in ECM composition and ECMR expression may direct cell localization to specific tissue domains.     

Characterization of C1q receptor expression on human phagocytic cells: effects of PDBu and fMLP

The receptor-mediated binding of C1q to human phagocytic cells was investigated in this study. By using a C1q binding assay, we determined that purified, elutriated monocytes expressed an average of 4.6 X 10(5) C1q receptors (C1qR) per cell, with an equilibrium binding constant (Keq) of 0.91 X 10(7) (M-1). When analyzed in an identical manner, the polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) expressed an average of 4.2 X 10(5) C1qR per cell, with a Keq for C1q of 1 X 10(7) (M-1). Fluorescent flow cytometric analysis showed that C1q was bound by 98% of the monocytes studied. Further, the pattern formed by these cells was consistent with a normal log distribution, indicating that this was a homogeneous population of cells. When PMN were assayed with flow cytometry, however, we found that C1q was bound by an average of only 45% of the PMN analyzed. Further, these PMN were not dispersed in a normal log distribution, indicating some heterogeneity among the cells that bind C1q. We examined the abilities of the chemoattractant N-formylmethionylleucylphenylalanine (fMLP) and the phorbol ester phorbol dibutyrate (PDBu) to modulate expression of C1qR as compared to the receptor for C3b (CR1). Pretreatment of the monocytes and the PMN with either 10(-6)M fMLP or 10 ng/ml of PDBu significantly increased cell surface CR1 expression, as reported previously by other investigators. In contrast, no significant increase in the number of C1qR on the monocytes or the PMN was observed with any of the concentrations of fMLP or PDBu used during pretreatment. However, with certain pretreatment doses of these agents, some reduction was noted in the amount of 125I-C1q bound to the monocytes and the PMN. This study characterizes the binding of C1q to purified monocytes and confirms previously published values for PMN. The distribution of cells expressing C1qR is shown to be significantly different between identically treated populations of monocytes and PMN. Finally, the abilities of fMLP and PDBu to modulate the binding of C1qR are examined. Our results indicate that the control of C1qR expression differs markedly from that of CR1.     

Mechanism of action of the antiplatelet peptide, arietin, from Bitis arietans venom

Arietin, an Arg-Gly-Asp containing peptide from venom of Bitis arietans, inhibited aggregation of platelets stimulated by a variety of agonists with a similar IC50, 1.3-2.7.10(-7) M. It blocked aggregation through the interference of fibrinogen binding to fibrinogen receptors on platelet surface. In this paper, we further demonstrated that arietin had no significant effect on the intracellular mobilization of Ca2+ in Quin2-AM-loaded platelets stimulated by thrombin. It inhibited 125I-fibrinogen binding to ADP-stimulated platelets in a competitive manner (IC50, 1.1.10(-7) M). 125I-arietin bound to unstimulated, ADP-stimulated and elastase-treated platelets in a saturable manner and its Kd values were estimated to be 3.4.10(-7), 3.4.10(-8) and 6.5.10(-8) M, respectively, while the corresponding binding sites were 46,904, 48,958 and 34,817 per platelet, respectively. Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser (RGDS) inhibited 125I-arietin binding to ADP-stimulated platelets in a competitive manner. RGD-containing peptides, including trigramin and rhodostomin, EDTA and monoclonal antibody, 7E3, raised against glycoprotein IIb-IIIa complex, inhibited 125I-arietin binding to ADP-stimulated platelets, indicating that the binding sites of arietin appear to be located at or near glycoprotein IIb-IIIa complex. In conclusion, arietin and other RGD-containing trigramin-like peptides preferentially bind to the fibrinogen receptors associated with glycoprotein IIb-IIIa complex of the activated platelets, thus leading to the blockade of fibrinogen binding to its receptors and subsequent aggregation. The presence of RGD of arietin is essential for the expression of its biological activity. Its binding sites are overlapped with those of trigramin, rhodostomin and the monoclonal antibody, 7E3.     

N-ethylmaleimide inhibits Ca2+ influx induced by collagen or arachidonate on rabbit platelets

N-Ethylmaleimide dose dependently inhibited platelet aggregation induced by collagen or arachidonate but did not inhibit the aggregation by thrombin or ionophore A23187 within the concentrations tested. [3H]Arachidonate release from membrane phospholipids of the collagen-stimulated platelets was inhibited by N-ethylmaleimide in parallel with the inhibition of aggregation, but not in response to A23187. N-Ethylmaleimide prevented 45Ca2+ influx into platelet cells from outer medium induced by collagen, and also inhibited the increase in the concentration of cytoplasmic free Ca2+, which probably results from Ca2+ influx, as monitored by quin2 fluorescence, under stimulation with arachidonate. The concentration of N-ethylmaleimide giving a complete inhibition of Ca2+ influx was consistent with that required to inhibit collagen- or arachidonate-induced aggregation. Prostaglandin metabolism from arachidonate to thromboxane A2 was not disturbed by N-ethylmaleimide, while phosphatidate formation induced by arachidonate was slightly inhibited by it at concentrations at which aggregation was completely inhibited. These data suggest that N-ethylmaleimide preferentially suppresses increase in cytoplasmic free Ca2+ which is linked to thromboxane A2-receptor occupation in collagen- or arachidonate-stimulated platelets, probably due to blockage of Ca2+ influx through Ca2+-channel protein, thereby inhibiting aggregation induced by these agonists.     

Inhibition of collagen-induced platelet reactivity by DGEA peptide

Direct interactions between collagen, the most thrombogenic component of the extracellular matrix, and platelet surface membrane receptors mediate platelet adhesion and induce platelet activation and aggregation. In this process two glycoproteins are crucial: integrin alpha2beta1, an adhesive receptor, and GPVI, which is especially responsible for signal transduction. Specific antagonists of the collagen receptors are useful tools for investigating the complexity of platelet-collagen interactions. In this work we assessed the usefulness of DGEA peptide (Asp-Gly-Glu-Ala), the shortest collagen type I-derived motif recognised by the collagen-binding integrin alpha2beta1, as a potential antagonist of collagen receptors. We examined platelet function using several methods including platelet adhesion under static conditions, platelet function analyser PFA-100TM, whole blood electric impedance aggregometry (WBEA) and flow cytometry. We found that DGEA significantly inhibited adhesion, aggregation and release reaction of collagen activated blood platelets. The inhibitory effect of DGEA on static platelet adhesion reached sub-maximal values at millimolar inhibitor concentrations, whereas the specific blocker of alpha2beta1 - monoclonal antibodies Gi9, when used at saturating concentrations, had only a moderate inhibitory effect on platelet adhesion. Considering that 25-30% of total collagen binding to alpha2beta1 is specific, we conclude that DGEA is a strong antagonist interfering with a variety of collagen-platelet interactions, and it can be recognised not only by the primary platelet adhesion receptor alpha2beta1 but also by other collagen receptors.     

Exposure of binding sites for vitronectin on platelets following stimulation

Vitronectin is a glycoprotein that mediates cell adhesion and spreading in a number of cell culture systems. Liposomes containing platelet glycoproteins IIb-IIIa complex have been shown to bind vitronectin-coated surfaces through an Arg-Gly-Asp cell attachment mechanism. We examined the expression of the binding sites for vitronectin on the surface of intact, resting platelets and following stimulation. 125I-Labeled vitronectin bound specifically in a saturable manner to platelets treated with physiological concentrations of thrombin. The binding reached saturation at 100 nM concentration, and, at saturation, approximately 5000 specific binding sites were detected per platelet. The binding was divalent cation-dependent and only partially reversible after complete saturation. A synthetic hexapeptide containing the Arg-Gly-Asp sequence inhibited vitronectin binding to platelets. A monoclonal antibody against platelet glycoprotein IIb-IIIa complex also inhibited the binding of vitronectin to stimulated platelets. These data suggest that platelets possess an inducible divalent cation-dependent receptor for vitronectin and that the glycoprotein IIb-IIIa complex is involved in the expression of the vitronectin receptor.