Mechanism of action of biogenic chloramines and hypochlorite on initial aggregation of blood platelets

The antiaggregant action of two reactive oxidants N,N-dichlorotaurine (chloramine of biogenic type) and sodium hypochlorite on the initial ADP-induced aggregation of rabbit blood platelets has been studied. Platelet aggregation in the reconstructed platelet-rich plasma (PRP) was measured by the nephelometric method, and the aggregation index was an increase in the intensity of small-angle light scattering. The introduction of chloramine at comparatively small concentrations (no greater than 1 mM active chlorine) directly into the reconstructed platelet-rich plasma induces the suppression of the initial aggregation (formation of small aggregates) several times stronger than in the case of its preliminary incubation with plasma alone. This suggests that N,N-dichlorotaurine exerts its antiaggeregant action on the platelet-rich plasma by direct interaction with cells. The effects of the inhibition of platelet aggregation in two variants of introduction of high concentrations of N,N-dichlorotaurine do not significantly differ. In this case a great amount of residual chloramine remains in the plasma, which just induces the suppression of platelet aggregation during subsequent reconstruction of the platelet-rich plasma. Similar data have been obtained in the study of the antiaggregant action of hypochlorite. N,N-Dichlorotaurine and hypochlorite at final concentrations of 0.2-0.3 and 0.15 mM, respectively, inhibit strongly the initial aggregation of isolated platelets (approximately 2 x 10(8) cells in 1 ml) preliminarily activated for 1.5 min by the addition of 100-500 nM ADP. However, the antiaggregants show a more profound suppression of aggregation of unstimulated platelets. The antiaggregant effects of N,N-dichlorotaurine and hypochlorite are probably due to the oxidative modification of sulfur-containing groups in platelet plasmatic membrane.     

Mechanism of the action of biogenic chloramines and hypochlorite on the initial aggregation of platelets

The antiaggregant effect of two reactive oxidants—N,N-dichlorotaurine (a biogenic chloramine) and sodium hypochlorite—on the initial ADP-induced aggregation of rabbit blood platelets was studied. Platelet aggregation in reconstituted platelet-rich plasma was measured nephelometrically; an increase in the intensity of small-angle light scattering served as an index of aggregation. Addition of chloramine at relatively small concentrations (no greater than 1 mM available chlorine) directly to the reconstituted platelet-rich plasma suppressed the initial aggregation (formation of small aggregates) several times more strongly than preincubation of native plasma with chloramine. This suggests that N,N-dichlorotaurine realizes its antiaggregant effect on the platelet-rich plasma by directly interacting with cells. The effects of the inhibition of platelet aggregation in two variants of addition of high concentrations of N,N-dichlorotaurine did not differ significantly. In this case, a large amount of residual unreacted chloramine remained in the plasma, which caused the suppression of platelet aggregation during subsequent reconstitution of the platelet-rich plasma. Similar data were obtained in studying the antiaggregant effect of hypochlorite. N,N-Dichlorotaurine and hypochlorite at concentrations of 0.2–0.3 and 0.15 mM, respectively, strongly inhibited the initial aggregation of isolated platelets (approximately 2·10⁸ cells/ml) preliminarily activated for 1.5 min by addition of 0.1–0.5 μM ADP. However, the antiaggregants had a more profound suppressive effect on the aggregation of unstimulated platelets. The antiaggregant effects of N,N-dichlorotaurine and hypochlorite probably stem from the oxidative modification of the sulfur-containing groups in platelet plasma membrane.     

Tissue-type plasminogen activator inhibits aggregation of platelets in vitro

The effects of tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) on the platelet aggregation were studied using citrated whole blood and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) obtained from human donors. t-PA suppressed adenosine 5'-diphosphate (ADP)- or collagen-induced platelet aggregation in a dose-dependent manner. The 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) for t-PA was lower by one order of magnitude than that for urokinase (UK) in whole blood and PRP. The suppression of platelet aggregation was not completely inhibited by alpha-2-antiplasmin. t-PA did not cause the degradation of fibrinogen or fibrin in PRP, whereas UK caused the reduction of fibrinogen and fibrin, and the increase of fibrinogen- and fibrin-degradation products (FDP). These results suggest that the mode of action of t-PA in inhibiting platelet aggregation may be different from that of UK.     

Correlated measurement of platelet release and aggregation in whole blood

We have used a technique for the simultaneous measurement of platelet activation and aggregation in whole blood using two-color immunofluorescence and flow cytometry to study the relationship between the release reaction and aggregation. A monoclonal antibody specific for the alpha granule membrane protein GMP-140 was used to measure the release reaction, and a monoclonal antibody specific for platelet membrane glycoprotein Ib (GPIb) was used to identify platelets and platelet aggregates. Aggregates were identified as particles expressing both levels of GPIb and size larger than that of resting single platelets. Anticoagulated whole blood was incubated with platelet agonists. At various times samples of the blood were removed and immediately fixed with paraformaldehyde. Blood that had been anticoagulated with ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid showed progressive release of platelets but little or no aggregation. However, blood anticoagulated with citrate or heparin showed correlated release and aggregation. The degree of aggregation was greater in heparin than in citrate. The expression of GPIb and GMP-140 increased in direct proportion to the size of the aggregates. Aggregates were observed varying in apparent diameter up to approximately 20 microns. During prolonged incubation there was progressive disaggregation of adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-induced aggregates. After disaggregation the proportion of GMP-140 negative single platelets increased, indicating that both released and nonreleased platelets participated in the aggregation. There was little or no disaggregation of phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)-induced aggregates. The relatively small size and reversibility of platelet aggregates that we have observed in whole blood may be relevant to phenomena occurring in vivo and in extracorporeal circulation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Monoclonal antibody against platelet thrombospondin decreases erythrocyte aggregation rate.

The effect of thrombospondin, a major glycoprotein in the platelet alpha-granule, on the erythrocyte aggregation rate was investigated. Venous blood was sampled from 8 healthy male volunteers and anticogulated with 1.1 mg/ml EDTA(K2). The erythrocyte aggregation rate of each blood sample was measured with a whole-blood erythrocyte aggregometer before and after incubation with murine monoclonal antibody against human platelet thrombospondin. After 15 min incubation, the erythrocyte aggregation rate exhibited a significant decrease to 0.055 +/- 0.022/s, representing 71.9 +/- 8.7% of the control value (0.075 +/- 0.028/s) (p less than 0.0005). The results obtained suggest that thrombospondin may participate in the control of erythrocyte aggregability in the circulating blood.     

血小板反应性增高患者相关指标的检测与分析

目的:探讨反应性血小板增高患者凝血指标及血小板聚集功能指标变化规律。方法:143例血小板反应性增高患者和65例对照者同时检测血小板聚集功能、抗凝血酶活性(AT-Ⅲ)、凝血酶原时间(PT)和活化部分凝血活酶时间(APTT),并统计分析。结果:血小板反应性增高常见于肿瘤、肺炎、外伤患者;血小板反应性增高组患者AT-Ⅲ、PT和APTT与对照组无差异,但患者血小板聚集功能显著高于对照组。结论:血小板反应性增高患者血小板聚集功能增强,建议定期监测血小板聚集功能,必要时用抗血小板聚集药预防。     

Effect of male sex and obesity on platelet arachidonic acid in spontaneous hypertensive heart failure rats

Sexual dimorphism is observed in the progression to congestive heart failure and, ultimately, in longevity in spontaneously hypertensive heart failure (SHHF) rats. As platelet activation may impact development of cardiovascular diseases, we studied the effects of obesity and sex on platelet polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) profile and its relationship to platelet aggregation in 6-month-old SHHF rats. After a 24-hr fast, blood was obtained for measurement of platelet phospholipid omega-6 (n-6) and omega-3 (n-3) PUFA. Collagen-induced platelet aggregation was measured by whole-blood impedance aggregometry. Obese male (OM) SHHF had significantly more platelet arachidonic acid (AA) and total n-6 PUFA than lean males (LMs), lean females (LFs), or obese females (OFs). Platelet aggregation was enhanced in males compared to females, with OMs by 45% compared to OFs and with LMs by 28% compared to LFs. Though no difference was found between OFs and LFs, platelet aggregation was increased in OMs by 20% compared to LMs. Though not significantly different, lag time to initiate platelet aggregation tended to be shortest in OMs and then, in increasing duration, LMs, LFs, and OFs, suggesting that platelets from male rats were quicker to aggregate than those from females. Platelet aggregation was correlated with platelet AA and total n-6 PUFA content. There was no relationship between n-3 PUFA and platelet aggregation. In SHHF rats, elevated AA and n-6 PUFA levels in platelets are associated with enhanced platelet aggregation. This relationship is potentiated by obesity and male sex.     

Oxidation by hypochlorite converts protective HDL into a potent platelet agonist

High density lipoproteins (HDL) represent a protective factor of central importance that counteracts the development of cardiovascular disease, in part by normalizing platelet (hyper)reactivity. As HDL represent an efficient scavenger of the naturally occurring oxidant hypochlorite, this work was intended to investigate the influence of hypochlorite-oxidized HDL on platelet function. Addition of hypochlorite-oxidized HDL to human platelets results in an immediate and transient raise in intracellular calcium, surface expression of P-selectin and platelet aggregation. The observed effects are dose dependent and can be blocked by an antibody directed against the lipoprotein-binding domain of platelet thrombospondin- and scavenger receptor CD36.     

Small aggregates of platelets can be detected sensitively by a flow cytometer equipped with an imaging device: mechanisms of epinephrine-induced aggregation and antiplatelet effects of beraprost

BACKGROUND: Although cross-talks between platelets and other blood cells are important in vivo, laboratory platelet aggregation tests have been performed mainly with the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as samples. Methods that enable an efficient and sensitive detection of platelet aggregates in whole blood are being developed. METHODS: A flow cytometer equipped with an imaging device, the flow imaging cytometer 2 (FIC2), was used to detect platelet aggregates in whole blood. RESULTS: The FIC2 provides a resolution that is high enough to differentiate platelet aggregates from single platelets or other blood cells. Epinephrine elicited platelet aggregate formation in hirudin plus argatroban-treated whole blood, but not in PRP. The reconstitution study revealed that a small amount of adenosine diphosphate (ADP) from erythrocytes may play an important role in epinephrine-induced platelet aggregation (in whole blood), through mediation of P2Y1 receptors. When the inhibitory effect of beraprost, an antiplatelet agent, on platelet aggregation was assessed, analysis of whole blood samples with FIC2 proved to be the most sensitive among the methods available. CONCLUSIONS: FIC2 is a promising device for detection of platelet aggregates in whole blood, with wide basic and clinical applications.     

Modulation of platelet responsiveness through selective phosphorylation of plasma membrane proteins.

32P phosphorylation of plasma membranes from human blood platelets, under conditions that closely resemble physiological ones (endogeneous phosphate donors and intact platelets in homologous plasma), result in the incorporation of the label mainly in a membrane glycoprotein of apparently high molecular weight (greater than 400 000). Dibutyryl cyclic AMP, an inhibitor of platelet aggregation, specifically increases the degree of phosphorylation of this glycoprotein. Moreover, it has been found that prostaglandin E1 one of the most potent inhibitors of platelet aggregation which also increases phosphorylation of the same glycoprotein, is significantly more effective than cyclic AMP. Cyclic GMP does not have any apparent effect on platelet aggregation. However, incubation of platelet-rich plasma with both cyclic GMP and cyclic AMP results in a partial recovery of the platelet responsiveness towards ADP-induced aggregation. Coincidently, the degree of phosphorylation of the high molecular weight glycoprotein under these conditions, although still higher than in controls (no nucleotides added), is significantly decreased as compared with cyclic AMP-treated cells. Furthermore, cyclic GMP inhibits the cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase activity in isolated platelet plasma membranes. These results suggest a central role for this membrane phosphoglycoprotein in the triggering of platelet aggregation and, furthermore, suggest that modulation of its degree of phosphorylation may be exerted through some cyclic AMP/cyclic GMP relationship, which in the basal state might be critical for platelet responsiveness.     

Increased plasma level of asymmetric dimethylarginine in hypertensive rats facilitates platelet aggregation: role of plasma tissue factor

This study was designed to explore the role of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide synthesis, in platelet aggregation in hypertension and its possible mechanisms. Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats were orally administered with L-arginine (1 g/(kg·day) for 14 days. Systolic blood pressure, platelet aggregation, and plasma tissue factor (TF) level and activity were measured. The plasma concentration of ADMA in SHR was determined. In vitro, platelet-rich plasma isolated from Wistar rats was prepared in order to observe the effect of exogenous ADMA on platelet aggregation and TF level and (or) activity in platelet-rich plasma. In both types of hypertensive rats, systolic blood pressure, platelet aggregation, and the level and activity of plasma TF were elevated compared with corresponding control animals. Plasma ADMA level was also increased in SHR. Treatment with L-arginine, a competitor of ADMA, lowered blood pressure and inhibited platelet aggregation concomitantly with a decrease in plasma TF level and activity in both types of hypertensive rats. We also found that exogenous ADMA promoted platelet aggregation and increased TF level and (or) activity in platelet-rich plasma, an effect that was inhibited by pretreatment with L-arginine. Importantly, the enhanced platelet aggregation induced by exogenous ADMA was reduced by pretreatment with anti-TF antibody. The results suggest that endogenous ADMA may be involved in platelet hyperaggregation status in hypertension, and the facilitation of platelet aggregation by ADMA is related to upregulation of the level and activity of plasma TF.     

犬心肌缺血早期血小板聚集功能和冠脉侧支循环的改变

本实验在18只麻醉开胸犬观察了急性心肌缺血早期血小板聚集功能和冠脉侧支循环功能的变化。实验结果如下:阻断冠脉后心肌缺血区血液中血小板聚集率(PAgR)增大,血小板计数(PC)减少。缺血50min时,PAgR增大58.7±5.6％,PC减少39.5±23.6％,与对照值有明显差异(均为P<0.01)。与此同时,在控制血压条件下,心肌缺血早期单位压力差下冠脉侧支血流量的变化与对照值无明显差异,而根据Wyatt等公式计算的流经缺血区末梢血管的有效侧支血流量明显降低,缺血50min时较对照值降低23.5±9.7％(P<0.05)。PAgR变化与有效侧支血流量改变呈明显负相关(r=-0.887,P<0.01);冠脉侧支指数与梗塞范围呈明显负相关(r=-0.847,P<0.01)。阻断冠脉前静脉注射血小板聚集功能抑制剂阿斯匹林,可明显减轻上述各项参数的异常变化。这些结果提示,心肌缺血早期血小板聚集功能的异常变化虽然对冠脉侧支血管的血流阻力影响较小,但却使流经缺血区末梢血管的有效侧支血流量明显减小,进而扩大梗塞范围。     

Effect of raw versus boiled aqueous extract of garlic and onion on platelet aggregation.

The effects of aqueous extracts of raw and boiled garlic and onions were studied in vitro on the collagen-induced platelet aggregation using rabbit and human platelet-rich plasma. A dose dependant inhibition of rabbit platelet aggregation was observed with garlic. Onion also showed dose-dependent inhibitory effects on the collagen-induced platelet aggregation but this inhibition was of a lesser magnitude compared to garlic when related to dose. The concentration required for 50% inhibition of the platelet aggregation for garlic was calculated to be approximately 6.6 mg ml(-1) plasma, whereas the concentration for onion was 90 mg ml(-1) plasma. Boiled garlic and onion extracts showed a reduced inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation. Garlic but not onion significantly inhibits human platelet aggregation in a dose-dependent fashion. The potency of garlic in inhibiting the collagen-induced platelet aggregation is approximately similar to that of rabbit platelets (8.8 mg ml(-1) produced 50% inhibition of platelet aggregation). The results of this study show that garlic is about 13 times more potent than onion in inhibiting platelet aggregation and suggest that garlic and onion could be more potent inhibitors of blood platelet aggregation if consumed in raw than in cooked or boiled form.     

Modulation of platelet responsiveness through selective phosphorylation of plasma membrane proteins: Antagonistic eeffects of cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP

³²P phosphorylation of plasma membranes from human blood platelets, under conditions that closely resemble physiological ones (endogeneous phosphate donors and intact platelets in homologous plasma), result in the incorporation of the label mainly in a membrane glycoprotein of apparently high molecular weight (greater than 400 000). Dibutyryl cyclic AMP, an inhibitor of platelet aggregation, specifically increases the degree of phosphorylation of this glycoprotein. Moreover, it has been found that prostaglandin E₁ one of the most potent inhibitors of platelet aggregation which also increases phosphorylation of the same glycoprotein, is significantly more effective than cyclic AMP.Cyclic GMP does not have any apparent effect on platelet aggregation. However, incubation of platelet-rich plasma with both cyclic GMP and cyclic AMP results in a partial recovery of the platelet responsiveness towards ADP-induced aggregation. Coincidently, the degree of phosphorylation of the high molecular weight glycoprotein under these conditions, although still higher than in controls (no nucleotides added), is significantly decreased as compared with cyclic AMP-treated cells. Furthermore, cyclic GMP inhibits the cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase activity in isolated platelet plasma membranes.These results suggest a central role for this membrane phosphoglycoprotein in the triggering of platelet aggregation and, furthermore, suggest that modulation of its degree of phosphorylation may be exerted through some cyclic AMP/cyclic GMP relationship, which in the basal state might be critical for platelet responsiveness.     

Blood Platelet Behaviour during and after Open-heart Surgery

In view of the high incidence of thromboembolic complications after the insertion of cardiac valve prostheses, platelet adhesiveness and aggregation was measured in whole blood before, during, and for several days after this operation in 10 patients. Cardiopulmonary bypass resulted in a profound decrease in the platelet count, in the number of adhesive platelets, and in platelet aggregation. These changes returned to near preoperative levels by the sixth postoperative day. Thereafter a consistent and sustained increase in platelet count, in the number of adhesive platelets, and in platelet aggregation was observed. The results suggest that the prevalence of thromboembolism after valve replacement may be due partly to changes in platelet behaviour.     

Clinical isolates of Enterococcus faecalis aggregate human platelets

Many endocarditis pathogens activate human platelets and this has been proposed to contribute to virulence. Here we report for the first time that many clinical isolates of Enterococcus faecalis, a common pathogen in infective endocarditis, aggregate human platelets. 84 isolates from human blood and urine were screened for their ability to aggregate platelets from four different donors. Platelet aggregation occurred for between 11 and 65% of isolates depending on the donor. In one donor, a significantly larger proportion of isolates from blood than from urine caused platelet aggregation. Median time to aggregation was 11 min and had a tendency to be shorter for blood isolates as compared to urine isolates. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) was shown to be essential in mediating activation and aggregation. Platelet aggregation could be abolished by an IgG-specific proteinase (IdeS), by an antibody blocking FcRγIIa on platelets, or by preabsorption of plasma with an E. faecalis isolate. Fibrinogen binding to bacteria or platelets does not contribute to platelet activation or aggregation under our experimental conditions. These results indicate that platelet activation and aggregation by E. faecalis is dependent on both host and bacterial factors and that it may be involved in the pathogenesis of invasive disease with this organism.     

Relationships between Platelets and Blood Cells in Postprandial Glycemia in Healthy Individuals

The relationships between platelet aggregation and blood cell amount were studied in healthy subjects after fasting and after a standard carbohydrate breakfast. Positive relationships were revealed between certain parameters of platelet aggregation and the amounts of monocytes and eosinophils. Negative relationships were revealed between most parameters of platelet aggregation and the amount of platelets. Along with the well-known food leukocytosis and increased fibrinogen, postprandial conditions were characterized by an increase in certain parameters of platelet aggregation, destruction of the relationship between the fibrinogen concentration and platelet aggregation, impairment of the inverse relationship between the amount and aggregation of platelets, and moderate direct or inverse relationships between certain parameters of the first and the second stages of platelet aggregation and the erythrocyte parameters. As a disturbing factor, postprandial conditions activated platelet hemostasis by modulating the initial stages of aggregation and substantially changed the interrelations between blood cells.     

Influence of the monocyte culture on thromboxane A2 level and platelet aggregation.

The importance of circulating blood cells has been further emphasized as monocytes may also contribute to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The pathological changes in atheroma may be partly mediated by metabolites of arachidonic acid. The aim of this study was determining thromboxane B2 concentrations in the supernatants of monocytes cultures and its influence on platelet aggregation. Human blood monocytes were recovered according to the procedure of B?yum and incubated with LPS. It was shown that monocytes produced thromboxane A2. The culture supernatant of monocytes from 36 h cultivation exerts an independent effect on platelet aggregation, which has been modified by inhibitors of aggregating factors. The results may indicate the influence of monocytes on AA metabolism in particular TXB2 production, platelet function and indirectly on the atherosclerotic process.     

Beta-amyrin from Ardisia elliptica Thunb. is more potent than aspirin in inhibiting collagen-induced platelet aggregation

Ardisia elliptica Thunberg (Myrsinaceae) is a medicinal plant traditionally used for alleviating chest pains, treatment of fever, diarrhoea, liver poisoning and parturition complications. The objectives of the study were to investigate the effect of A. elliptica on collagen induced platelet aggregation and to isolate and purify potential antiplatelet components. Fresh A. elliptica leaves were extracted using methanol (70% v/v) by Soxhlet extraction and the extract was analysed for its inhibition of collagen-induced platelet aggregation. Inhibition of platelet aggregation was assessed by incubating the extracts with rabbit blood and collagen in a whole blood aggregometer and measuring the impedance. The leaf extract was found to inhibit platelet aggregation with an IC50 value of 167 microg/ml. Using bioassay guided fractionation, beta-amyrin was isolated and purified. The IC50 value of beta-amyrin was found to be 4.5 microg/ml (10.5 microM) while that of aspirin was found to be 11 microg/ml (62.7 microM), indicating that beta-amyrin was six times as active as aspirin in inhibiting platelet aggregation. This paper is the first report that beta-amyrin isolated from A. elliptica is more potent than aspirin in inhibiting collagen-induced platelet aggregation. In conclusion, A. elliptica leaves were found to inhibit collagen-induced platelet aggregation and one of the bioactive components responsible for the observed effect was determined to be beta-amyrin.     

Effects of dietary polyunsaturated fatty acid on platelet aggregation in rats

In the present study, we changed the fatty acid profile in blood and platelet membranes by dietary manipulation, and examined the effect on platelet aggregation in rats. Fifty-five rats were divided into five groups and fed for 56 days with 1% cholesterol and different types of fatty acid-rich diets: basal, lard, lard + fish oil, soybean oil, and soybean oil + fish oil. a decrease in serum arachidonic acid (20:4, omega-6, AA) and an increase in serum eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5, omega-3, EPA) were found in all experimental dietary groups fed with refined fish oil. Similar changes in the polyunsaturated fatty acids were also found in the platelet membrane phospholipids. Platelet aggregation, quantitated by the slope and height of the aggregation curve induced by different concentrations of ADP in a platelet aggregometer, was inhibited in all groups fed with refined fish oil. This inhibition of platelet aggregation may be related to an increase in the ratio of EPA and AA in the platelet membrane phospholipids after dietary manipulation. The differences in the platelet aggregation and thromboxane B2 (TXB2) concentration between the lard and the lard + fish oil groups were more profound than that between the soybean oil and the soybean oil + fish oil group. However, the malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration revealed no significant differences between the five groups.