Efficient flow cytometric assay for platelet-leukocyte aggregates in whole blood using fluorescence signal triggering.

BACKGROUND: Platelet-leukocyte aggregates (PLAs) may be important in thrombotic and inflammatory disease states, but accurate assessment of PLA formation in vivo is hampered by the propensity for in vitro artefacts caused by sample manipulation. A whole blood flow cytometric assay for circulating PLAs, based on minimal sample manipulation, was thus developed. METHODS: Citrated whole blood was labeled with a RPE-CD45 MAb (leukocyte marker) and an FITC-CD42a (GPIX) MAb (platelet marker). The latter was used to avoid possible influences of platelet glycoprotein proteolysis by neutrophil-derived proteases. The samples were mildly fixed with 0.5% formaldehyde saline. The cytometer was triggered by RPE-CD45 fluorescence. Leukocyte subpopulations were separated according to their typical light scattering and CD45 expression. RESULTS: Minimal sample manipulation and mild sample fixation resulted in minor in vitro artefacts and good sample stability. Fluorescence triggering increased the efficiency of the flow cytometric analysis approximately 5-fold compared with triggering with light scatter, and allowed discrimination of leukocyte subpopulations. The majority of PLAs involved monocytes and neutrophils, rather than lymphocytes, both without and with in vitro stimulation by ADP or thrombin. A cocktail of blocking MAbs to CD62P, CD15, GPIIb/IIIa and the CD11b/CD18 complex had no effect on unstimulated samples, whilst totally inhibiting aggregation induced by 10(-5) M ADP, suggesting that the PLAs in unstimulated blood were preformed in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: This whole blood flow cytometric assay for PLAs is simple and efficient, and appears to reflect closely platelet-leukocyte aggregates in circulating blood in vivo.     

Lack of influence of the COX inhibitors metamizol and diclofenac on platelet GPIIb/IIIa and P-selectin expression in vitro

BACKGROUND: The effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for reduced platelet aggregation and thromboxane A2 synthesis has been well documented. However, the influence on platelet function is not fully explained. Aim of this study was to examine the influence of the COX-1 inhibiting NSAIDs, diclofenac and metamizol on platelet activation and leukocyte-platelet complexes, in vitro. Surface expression of GPIIb/IIIa and P-selectin on platelets, and the percentage of platelet-leukocyte complexes were investigated. METHODS: Whole blood was incubated with three different concentrations of diclofenac and metamizol for 5 and 30 minutes, followed by activation with TRAP-6 and ADP. Rates of GPIIb/IIIa and P-selectin expression, and the percentage of platelet-leukocyte complexes were analyzed by a flow-cytometric assay. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the expression of GPIIb/IIIa and P-selectin, and in the formation of platelet-leukocyte complexes after activation with ADP and TRAP-6, regarding both the time of incubation and the concentrations of diclofenac and metamizol. CONCLUSIONS: Accordingly, the inhibitory effect of diclofenac and metamizol on platelet aggregation is not related to a reduced surface expression of P-selectin and GPIIb/IIIa on platelets.     

Evaluation of platelet function by flow cytometry

Platelet function in whole blood can be comprehensively evaluated by flow cytometry. Flow cytometry can be used to measure platelet reactivity, circulating activated platelets, platelet-platelet aggregates, leukocyte-platelet aggregates, procoagulant platelet-derived microparticles, and calcium flux. Clinical applications of whole blood flow cytometric assays of platelet function in disease states (e.g., acute coronary syndromes, angioplasty, and stroke) may include identification of patients who would benefit from additional antiplatelet therapy and prediction of ischemic events. Circulating monocyte-platelet aggregates appear to be a more sensitive marker of in vivo platelet activation than circulating P-selectin-positive platelets. Flow cytometry can also be used in the following clinical settings: monitoring of GPIIb-IIIa antagonist therapy, diagnosis of inherited deficiencies of platelet surface glycoproteins, diagnosis of storage pool disease, diagnosis of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, and measurement of the rate of thrombopoiesis.     

Use of mean platelet component to measure platelet activation on the ADVIA 120 haematology system.

Platelet activation results in changes in a number of cell surface molecules including an increase in P-Selectin (CD62P) that may be rapidly and conveniently measured by immunofluorescent flow cytometry. The ADVIA 120 (Bayer) is a new system that facilitates more accurate measurement of platelet volume and in addition provides an approximate measure of the mean refractive index (RI) of the platelets reported as mean platelet component (MPC) concentration. We were interested to determine whether changes in MPC might reflect changes in platelet activation status. To investigate this, the platelet CD62P expression, determined by flow cytometry, and change in MPC, measured on the ADVIA 120 system, was first examined in vitro after stimulation of EDTA anticoagulated whole blood with submaximal concentrations of bovine thrombin in the presence or absence of the thromboxane synthase inhibitor, Ridogrel. Thrombin produced a dose-dependent increase in platelet CD62P expression and a decrease in MPC that could be inhibited by Ridogrel at physiological concentrations. In the second set of experiments, blood from 20 normal controls was collected into both EDTA and sodium citrate (SC) anticoagulants. Within 30 min of venesection and again at 3 h post-venesection after storage at room temperature, the platelet MPC and CD62P expression were determined. Platelets in all samples with both anticoagulants showed very low levels of CD62P expression when first analysed. At 3 h there was a small increase in CD62P expression on platelets in whole blood anticoagulated with SC, but a significant (P < 0.001) increase was observed on platelets anti-coagulated with EDTA. A negative correlation was found between the change in MPC of the platelets and the increase in the mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) (r = -0.69, P < 0.001, n = 20) and the percentage (r = -0.72, P < 0.001, n = 20) of CD62P positive platelets at 3 h in blood anticoagulated with EDTA. We conclude that a reduction in MPC as measured by the ADVIA 120 may be used to detect anticoagulant induced, as well as thrombin stimulated, in vitro platelet activation in blood anticoagulated with EDTA. Further, we conclude that platelet activation is negligible for up to 3 h in sodium citrate anticoagulated whole blood.     

Leukocyte- and platelet-derived microvesicle interactions following in vitro and in vivo activation of toll-like receptor 4 by lipopolysaccharide

Background

Pro-coagulant membrane microvesicles (MV) derived from platelets and leukocytes are shed into the circulation following receptor-mediated activation, cell-cell interaction, and apoptosis. Platelets are sentinel markers of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) activation. Experiments were designed to evaluate the time course and mechanism of direct interactions between platelets and leukocytes following acute activation of TLR4 by bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

Methodology/Principal Findings

Blood from age-matched male and female wild type (WT) and TLR4 gene deleted (dTLR4) mice was incubated with ultra-pure E. coli LPS (500 ng/ml) for up to one hour. At designated periods, leukocyte antigen positive platelets, platelet antigen positive leukocytes and cell-derived MV were quantified by flow cytometry. Numbers of platelet- or leukocyte-derived MV did not increase within one hour following in vitro exposure of blood to LPS. However, with LPS stimulation numbers of platelets staining positive for both platelet- and leukocyte-specific antigens increased in blood derived from WT but not dTLR4 mice. This effect was blocked by inhibition of TLR4 signaling mediated by My88 and TRIF. Seven days after a single intravenous injection of LPS (500 ng/mouse or 20 ng/gm body wt) to WT mice, none of the platelets stained for leukocyte antigen. However, granulocytes, monocytes and apoptotic bodies stained positive for platelet antigens.

Conclusions/Significance

Within one hour of exposure to LPS, leukocytes exchange surface antigens with platelets through TLR4 activation. In vivo, leukocyte expression of platelet antigen is retained after a single exposure to LPS following turn over of the platelet pool. Acute expression of leukocyte antigen on platelets within one hour of exposure to LPS and the sustained expression of platelet antigen on leukocytes following a single acute exposure to LPS in vivo explains, in part, associations of platelets and leukocytes in response to bacterial infection and changes in thrombotic propensity of the blood.     

Involvement of platelet glycoprotein Ib in platelet microparticle mediated neutrophil activation

Summary Platelet microparticles (MPs) are membrane vesicles shed by platelets after activation, and carry antigens characteristic of intact platelets, such as glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa, GPIb and P-selectin. Elevated platelet MPs have been observed in many disorders in which platelet activation is documented. Recently, platelet GPIb has been implicated in the mediation of platelet–leukocyte interaction via binding to its ligand Mac-1 on leukocyte. The role of GPIb for mediating adhesion-activation interactions between platelet MPs and leukocytes has not been clarified. In this study we investigate the role of GPIb in the interplay between platelet MPs and neutrophils. Platelet MPs were obtained from collagen-stimulated platelet-rich plasma (PRP). In a study model of neutrophil aggregation, platelet MPs can serve a bridge to support neutrophil aggregation under venous level shear stress, suggesting that platelet MPs may enhance leukocyte aggregation, which would bear clinical relevance in diseases where the platelet MPs are elevated. The level of aggregation can be reduced by GPIb blocking antibodies, AP1 and SZ2, but not by anti-CD18 mAb. The GPIb blocking antibodies also decreased platelet MP-mediated neutrophil activation, including β2 integrin expression, adherence-dependent superoxide release and platelet MP-mediated neutrophil adherence to immobilized fibrinogen. Our data provide the evidence for the involvement of GPIb–Mac-1 interaction in the cross-talk between platelet MPs and neutrophils.     

Juglone prevents human platelet aggregation through inhibiting Akt and protein disulfide isomerase

Background/PurposeJuglone, a natural compound widely found in Juglandaceae plants, has been suggested as a potential drug candidate for treating cancer, inflammation, and diabetic vascular complications. In the present study, the antiplatelet effect and underlying mechanisms of juglone were investigated for the first time.Study design/methodsHuman platelet aggregation and activation were measured by turbidimetric aggregometry, flow cytometry, and Western blotting. In vitro antithrombotic activity of juglone was assessed using collagen-coated flow chambers under whole-blood flow conditions. The effect of juglone on protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) activity was determined by the dieosin glutathione disulfide assay.ResultsJuglone (1 – 5 μM) inhibited platelet aggregation and glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa activation caused by various agonists. In a whole blood flow chamber system, juglone reduced thrombus formation on collagen-coated surfaces under arterial shear rates. Juglone abolished intracellular Ca²⁺ elevation and protein kinase C activation caused by collagen, but had no significant effect on that induced by G protein-coupled receptor agonists. In contrast, Akt activation caused by various agonists were inhibited in juglone-treated platelets. Additionally, juglone showed inhibitory effects on both recombinant human PDI and platelet surface PDI at concentrations similar to those needed to prevent platelet aggregation.ConclusionJuglone exhibits potent in vitro antiplatelet and antithrombotic effects that are associated with inhibition of Akt activation and platelet surface PDI activity.     

Clopidogrel reduces lipopolysaccharide‐induced inflammation and neutrophil‐platelet aggregates in an experimental endotoxemic model

Platelet activation contributes to organs failure in inflammation and plays an important role in endotoxemia. Clopidogrel inhibits platelet aggregation and activation. However, the role of clopidogrel in modulating inflammatory progression of endotoxemia remains largely unexplored. Therefore, we investigated the role of clopidogrel on the activation of platelet and leukocytes in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced inflammation in mice. Animals were treated with clopidogrel or vehicle before LPS induction. The expression of neutrophil‐platelet aggregates and platelet activation and tissue factor was determined. Immunofluorescence was used to analyze platelet‐leukocyte interactions and tissue factor (TF) expression on leukocytes. Clopidogrel pretreatment markedly decreased lung damage, inhibited platelet‐neutrophil aggregates and TF expression. In addition, clopidogrel reduced thrombocytopenia and affected the number of circulating white blood cell in endotoxemia mice. Moreover, clopidogrel also reduced platelet shedding of CD40L and CD62P in endotoxemic mice. Taken together, clopidogrel played an important role through reducing platelet activation and inflammatory process in endotoxemia.     

Leukocyte-platelet aggregate adhesion and vascular permeability in intact microvessels: role of activated endothelial cells

Leukocyte-platelet aggregation and aggregate adhesion have been indicated as biomarkers of the severity of tissue injury during inflammation or ischemic reperfusion. The objective of this study is to investigate the mechanisms of the aggregate adhesion and quantitatively evaluate its relationship with microvessel permeability. A combined autologous blood perfusion with single microvessel perfusion technique was employed in rat mesenteric venular microvessels. The aggregate adhesion was induced by systemic application of TNF-alpha plus local application of platelet-activating factor (PAF). Changes in permeability were determined by measurements of hydraulic conductivity (Lp) before and after aggregate adhesion in the same individually perfused microvessels. The compositions of the adherent aggregates were identified with fluorescent labeling and confocal imaging. In contrast to leukocyte adhesion as single cells resulting in no increase in microvessel permeability, aggregate adhesion induced prolonged increases in microvessel Lp (6.1 +/- 0.9 times the control, n = 9) indicated by the initial Lp measurements after 3 h of blood perfusion, which is distinct from the transient Lp increase caused by PAF-induced endothelial activation in the absence of blood. Isoproteronol (Iso) attenuated aggregate adhesion-mediated Lp increases if applied after autologous blood perfusion and prevented the aggregate adhesion if the initial endothelial activation is inhibited by applying Iso before PAF administration but showed less effect on single leukocyte adhesion. This study demonstrated that leukocyte-platelet aggregate adhesion via a mechanism different from that of single leukocyte adhesion caused a prolonged increase in microvessel permeability. Our results also indicate that the initial activation of endothelial cells by PAF plays a crucial role in the initiation of leukocyte-platelet aggregate adhesion.     

Comparison of Aggregometry with Flow Cytometry for the Assessment of Agonists′-Induced Platelet Reactivity in Patients on Dual Antiplatelet Therapy

Data on the agreement between aggregometry and platelet activation by flow cytometry regarding the measurement of on-treatment platelet reactivity to arachidonic acid (AA) and adenosine diphosphate (ADP) are scarce. We therefore sought to compare three platelet aggregation tests with flow cytometry for the assessment of the response to antiplatelet therapy. Platelet aggregation in response to AA and ADP was determined by light transmission aggregometry (LTA), the VerifyNow assays, and multiple electrode aggregometry (MEA) in 316 patients receiving aspirin and clopidogrel therapy after angioplasty with stent implantation. AA- and ADP-induced P-selectin expression and activated glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa were determined by flow cytometry. LTA, the VerifyNow P2Y₁₂ assay and MEA in response to ADP correlated significantly (all p<0.001), and the best correlation was observed between LTA and the VerifyNow P2Y₁₂ assay (r = 0.63). ADP-induced platelet reactivity by all aggregation tests correlated significantly with ADP-induced P-selectin expression and activated GPIIb/IIIa (all p<0.001). The best correlation was seen between the VerifyNow P2Y₁₂ assay and activated GPIIb/IIIa (r = 0.68). The platelet surface expressions of P-selectin and activated GPIIb/IIIa in response to ADP were significantly higher in patients with high on-treatment residual platelet reactivity (HRPR) to ADP by all test systems (all p<0.001). A rather poor correlation was observed between AA-induced platelet reactivity by LTA and the VerifyNow aspirin assay (r = 0.15, p = 0.007), while both methods did not correlate with MEA. AA-induced platelet reactivity by all aggregation tests correlated significantly, but rather poorly with AA-induced P-selectin expression (all p<0.05), while only AA-induced platelet reactivity by LTA correlated significantly with AA-induced activated GPIIb/IIIa (r = 0.21, p<0.001). The platelet surface expression of P-selectin in response to AA was significantly higher in patients with HRPR by LTA AA and MEA AA (both p<0.02). In contrast, P-selectin expression in response to AA was similar in patients without and with HRPR by the VerifyNow aspirin assay (p = 0.5), and platelet surface activated GPIIb/IIIa in response to AA did not differ significantly between patients without and with HRPR to AA by all test systems (all p>0.1). In conclusion, ADP-induced platelet reactivity by aggregometry translates partly into flow cytometry. In contrast, AA-induced platelet reactivity correlates poorly between different platelet aggregation tests, and between aggregometry and flow cytometry. Overall, both approaches capture different aspects of platelet function and are therefore not interchangeable in the assessment of agonists´-induced platelet reactivity. Clinical outcome data are needed to determine which test systems and settings are associated with different in vivo consequences.     

Plant food delphinidin-3-glucoside significantly inhibits platelet activation and thrombosis: novel protective roles against cardiovascular diseases

Delphinidin-3-glucoside (Dp-3-g) is one of the predominant bioactive compounds of anthocyanins in many plant foods. Although several anthocyanin compounds have been reported to be protective against cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), the direct effect of anthocyanins on platelets, the key players in atherothrombosis, has not been studied. The roles of Dp-3-g in platelet function are completely unknown. The present study investigated the effects of Dp-3-g on platelet activation and several thrombosis models in vitro and in vivo. We found that Dp-3-g significantly inhibited human and murine platelet aggregation in both platelet-rich plasma and purified platelets. It also markedly reduced thrombus growth in human and murine blood in perfusion chambers at both low and high shear rates. Using intravital microscopy, we observed that Dp-3-g decreased platelet deposition, destabilized thrombi, and prolonged the time required for vessel occlusion. Dp-3-g also significantly inhibited thrombus growth in a carotid artery thrombosis model. To elucidate the mechanisms, we examined platelet activation markers via flow cytometry and found that Dp-3-g significantly inhibited the expression of P-selectin, CD63, CD40L, which reflect platelet α- and δ-granule release, and cytosol protein secretion, respectively. We further demonstrated that Dp-3-g downregulated the expression of active integrin αIIbβ3 on platelets, and attenuated fibrinogen binding to platelets following agonist treatment, without interfering with the direct interaction between fibrinogen and integrin αIIbβ3. We found that Dp-3-g reduced phosphorylation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, which may contribute to the observed inhibitory effects on platelet activation. Thus, Dp-3-g significantly inhibits platelet activation and attenuates thrombus growth at both arterial and venous shear stresses, which likely contributes to its protective roles against thrombosis and CVDs.     

Spatially distinct production of reactive oxygen species regulates platelet activation

Platelets play a key role in hemostasis and changes in redox balance are known to alter platelet activation and aggregation. Interestingly, activation of platelets leads to production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), but the role(s) of these ROS remain unclear. Using flow cytometry and chemiluminescence, agonist-induced ROS generation was found to be spatially distinct with stimulation through the major collagen receptor GPVI inducing only intraplatelet ROS while thrombin induced production of extracellular ROS. Platelet activation by either the GPVI-selective agonist convulxin or thrombin was differentially regulated by ROS generation. Thus, surface expression of CD62P, CD40L, or activated integrin alphaIIbbeta3 was abrogated by pharmacologic antioxidants but externalization of phosphatidylserine was not inhibited. Furthermore, extracellular antioxidants SOD/catalase markedly inhibited thrombin-, but not convulxin-, induced CD62P expression and alphaIIbbeta3 activation. The data suggest that ROS selectively regulate biochemical steps in platelet activation and that distinct source(s) of ROS and discrete redox-sensitive pathway(s) may control platelet activation in response to GPVI or thrombin stimulation. Thus, targeting ROS with site-specific antioxidants may differentially regulate platelet activation via thrombin or collagen.     

Hydrocortisone does not affect major platelet receptors in inflammation in vitro

HYPOTHESIS: Platelet function is an important factor for the fate of intensive care patients. Several factors may influence this function. Recently, it was demonstrated that hydrocortisone has immunologic effects in septic shock and therefore may affect cell adhesion molecules. The aim of the present study was to examine effects of hydrocortisone on platelet receptor expression in healthy individuals and septic patients in vitro. METHODS: Citrated blood samples were drawn from 10 healthy volunteers and 10 septic patients. Samples were adjusted with hydrocortisone to final concentrations of 4.5 microg mL(-1), 9.0 microg mL(-1) (sepsis-equivalent bolus) and 90 microg mL(-1), respectively. A control group received no additional hydrocortisone. Expression of CD62P, CD41, PAC-1 and CD42b on the surface of resting or agonist-stimulated platelets was determined by whole blood flow cytometry using fluorescence-labeled monoclonal antibodies. RESULTS: Hydrocortisone had no significant influence on the expression of CD62P, CD41 and PAC-1. After administration of 90 microg mL(-1) hydrocortisone the expression of CD42b was decreased compared to controls after activation. Differences between volunteers and sepsis patients were found for all receptors after activation. CONCLUSIONS: Hydrocortisone mediates immunmodulating effects in therapy of patients suffering of septic shock without involvement of specific platelet receptors in vitro.     

Hypergravity results in human platelet hyperactivity

Thrombotic diseases or fatalities have been reported to occasionally occur under conditions of hypergravity although the mechanism is still unclear. To investigate the effect of hypergravity on platelets that are the primary players in thrombus formation, platelet rich plasma (PRP) or washed platelets were exposed to hypergravity at 8 G for 15 minutes. No platelet aggregation was induced by 8 G alone, whereas ristocetin or collagen-induced platelet aggregation was significantly increased. The number of platelets adherent to immobilized fibrinogen and the area of platelets spreading on von Willbrand factor (VWF) matrix were increased simultaneously. Flow cytometry assay indicated that integrin αIIbß3 was partially activated in 8 Gexposed platelets, but there was no significant difference in P-selectin surface expression between platelets treated with 8 G and 1 G control. The results indicate that hypergravity leads to human platelet hyperactivity, but fails to incur essential platelet activation events, suggesting a novel mechanism for thrombotic diseases occurring under hypergravitional conditions.     

High dose supplementation of RRR-alpha-tocopherol decreases cellular hemostasis but accelerates plasmatic coagulation in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus is associated with increased generation of free oxygen radicals and depleted scavenging potential (oxidative stress), leading to increased LDL oxidation and platelet hyperreactivity, the major components of atherothrombotic vascular lesions. A main goal of antioxidant therapy is to protect the LDL particle from atherogenic oxidation and to reduce the activated cellular hemostasis. METHODS: We evaluated the influence of a high dose supplementation with 800 IU of the natural antioxidant RRR-alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) per day for six months on serum levels, vitamin E load of LDL particles (HPLC), lag phase of LDL oxidation (Esterbauer's assay), platelet adhesion molecules, leukocyte-platelet coaggregation (flow cytometry, D-III protocol) and coagulation (INR/PTT) in a group of 36 patients with type 2 diabetes (f/m 22/14; age 58+/-8.0; HbA1 at baseline 10.25+/-1.7). RESULTS: Average vitamin E levels increased 2.65-fold accompanied by a 1.83-fold increase of LDL-associated vitamin E and a 12.3 min prolongation of the lag-phase of LDL oxidation (p<0.001 for all parameters at six months). Platelet expression of PECAM-1 (CD31) (-30.2% positive cells, p<0.001; antigen density -25%, p<0.001), ICAM-2 (CD102) (-2.9% positive cells, p<0.01; antigen density -10.6%, p<0.001) and fibrinogen (-1.6% positive cells, p<0.001; antigen density - 16.1 %, p<0.001) decreased. Concomitantly, platelet-leukocyte-coaggregation increased by 44% (p<0.001), correlating to an INR reduction of 10.4% (1.06+/-0.09 to 0.95+/-0.09, p<0.001, r = - 0.34). The PTT remained constant. CONCLUSION: The antioxidant protection from the increased vitamin E was accompanied by a decreased expression of constitutive and function-dependent platelet adhesion molecules. However, increases in platelet-leukocyte coaggregates and a shortened INR time suggest extrinsic coagulation activation, possibly by induction of a leukocyte tissue factor dependent mechanism. High dose supplements of alpha-tocopherol may override the available redox balance in well controlled type 2 diabetes. However, intrinsic effects of alpha-tocopherol must be discussed.     

Development of an 8-color antibody panel for functional phenotyping of human CD8+ cytotoxic T cells from peripheral blood mononuclear cells

The study of CD8 positive cells in peripheral blood has become an essential part of research in the field of cancer immunotherapies, vaccine development, inflammation, autoimmune disease, etc. In this study, an 8-color flow cytometry panel, containing lineage and functional markers, was developed for the identification of CD8+ cytotoxic T cells in previously cryopreserved peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy human donors. By studying functional markers in naïve and CD3/CD28 activated T cells we demonstrate that the panel is capable of detecting protein markers corresponding to different T cell activation statuses. Data generated by flow cytometry were corroborated by different antibody based assay technologies to detect soluble cytokines. Our findings suggest that there is an inter donor variability in both baseline and activation responses. We have also successfully developed an antibody panel for flow cytometry that could be used to study cytotoxic function of CD8 T cells in clinical immunology research areas.     

Platelet-associated CD154: a new interface in haemostasis and in the inflammatory reaction

Blood platelets play a crucial part in the blood clotting process by forming the platelet plug. Recent evidence indicates that they are likely to play a key role in the inflammatory reaction via CD154/CD40 interactions. CD40 was known to be widely expressed, for instance on cells of the vasculature including endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells and macrophages. It was also known that the triggering of CD40 on these cells led to the acquisition of an activated pro-inflammatory and pro-coagulant phenotype. It was subsequently shown that platelets express CD154 which is cryptic in unstimulated platelets but is expressed at the platelet surface upon platelet activation. When expressed at the platelet surface and exposed to CD40-expressing vascular cells, the platelet-associated CD154 triggers a variety of pro-inflammatory and pro-coagulant responses including induction of adhesion receptors, release of cytokines and chemokines, induction of tissue factor and of metalloproteinases. Platelet-associated CD154 is also involved in platelet/platelet interactions during platelet aggregation. Furthermore, in vivo models have emphasized the critical role of the platelet-associated CD154 in the progression of atherosclerotic disease and in the stabilization of arterial thrombi. Recent data show that CD40-bearing cells involved in fibrosis such as hepatic stellate cells and glomerular mesangial cells also respond to platelet-associated CD154, thus suggesting a new mechanism by which platelets may be instrumental in the inflammatory diseases of the liver or the kidney. Finally, platelet-associated CD154 has been shown to have immune competence both in vitro and in vivo, observations that open new fields of research on the potential implications of platelets in the immune response and auto-immune diseases.     

Flow cytometric kinetic assay of calcium mobilization in whole blood platelets using Fluo-3 and CD41

BACKGROUND: Platelet activation plays a major role in the physiology and pathology of hemostasis. Flow cytometry is a promising approach for the structural and functional analysis of platelets. However, the choice of adequate biological parameters and most technical issues are still under discussion. A rise in cytosolic free Ca2+ is a key early event that follows platelet stimulation and precedes several activation responses, including shape change, aggregation, secretion, and expression of procoagulant activity. Our objective was to set up a fast and sensitive flow cytometric method to determine the kinetics of intracellular Ca2+ mobilization in platelets, which could be performed with the least artifactual perturbation of platelet function. METHODS: Anticoagulated blood was diluted in Tyrode's buffer and incubated with Fluo-3-acetoxymethyl ester prior to staining with phycoerytrin-conjugated antiplatelet GPIIb/IIIa complex monoclonal antibody. Platelets were identified by a gate including only CD41+ events. After the determination of baseline Fluo-3 green fluorescence on a flow cytometer (EPICS XL-MCL, Coulter Electronics, Hialeah, FL), adequate agonists were added and time-dependent changes in Fluo-3 fluorescence were recorded on-line for up to 3 min. RESULTS: In these conditions, a very fast and transient increase of cytosolic-free Ca2+ was observed following the addition of thrombin, a strong platelet agonist. Stimulation with adenosine diphosphate (ADP), a weak agonist, also resulted in evident increase of Ca2+ levels. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that this flow cytometric kinetic method provides a simple and sensitive tool to assess in vitro the time course and intensity of signal transduction responses to different platelet agonists under near physiological conditions. In this way, it may be useful to evaluate the degree of platelet reactivity and thus to monitor antiplatelet therapy.     

The effects of elongational stress exposure on the activation and aggregation of blood platelets.

Hemodynamic shear is known to stimulate blood and endothelial cells and induce platelet activation. Many studies of shear-induced platelet stimulation have employed rotational viscometers in which secondary flow effects are assumed to be negligible. Shear induced platelet activation occurs at elevated shear rates where secondary flows may contribute a significant percentage of the total hydrodynamic force experienced by the sample. Elongational stress, one component of this secondary flow, has been shown to alter transmembrane ion flux in intact cell and the permeability of synthetic membrane preparations. Elongational flow also occurs in the vasculature at sites of elevated shear stress. Secondary flow components may contribute to platelet activation induced during shear stress application in rotational viscometry. A unique 'constrained convergence' elongational flow chamber was designed and fabricated to study platelet response to elongational stress exposure. The elongational flow chamber was capable of producing an elongation rate of 2.1 s-1 with a corresponding volume averaged shear rate of 58.33 s-1. Significant changes were observed in the total platelet volume distribution and measured response to added chemical antagonists after elongational stress exposure. The total platelet volume histogram shifted toward larger particle sizes, suggesting the formation of large aggregates as a result of elongational stress exposure. Platelets exposed to elongational stress demonstrated a dose dependent decrease in added ADP-induced aggregation rate and extent of aggregation.