P2X1-mediated ERK2 activation amplifies the collagen-induced platelet secretion by enhancing myosin light chain kinase activation

The ATP-gated P2X1 ion channel is the only P2X subtype expressed in human platelets. Via transmission electron microscopy, we found that P2X1 mediates fast, reversible platelet shape change, secretory granule centralization, and pseudopodia formation. In washed human platelets, the stable P2X1 agonist alpha,beta-methylene ATP (alpha,beta-meATP) causes rapid, transient (2-5 s), and dose-dependent myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation, requiring extracellular Ca2+. Phosphorylation was inhibited by the calmodulin (CaM) inhibitor W-7, but not by the Rho kinase inhibitor HA-1077, i.e. it is exclusively regulated by Ca2+/CaM-dependent MLC kinase. Correspondingly, the P2X1-induced platelet shape change was inhibited by W-7 and by the MLC kinase inhibitor ML-7 but not by HA-1077. W-7, ML-7, the protein kinase C inhibitor GF109203-X, and the Src family kinase inhibitor PP1 inhibited the collagen and convulxin-induced early platelet degranulation, shape change, and subsequent aggregation, indicating a role for Ca2+/CaM and MLC kinase in these glycoprotein VI-related platelet responses. The secreted ATP-mediated P2X1-dependent ERK2 activation induced by low collagen concentrations contributes to MLC kinase activation since P2X1 desensitization or blockade of ERK2 phosphorylation by U0126 strongly attenuated MLC phosphorylation, degranulation, and aggregation. We therefore conclude that at low doses of collagen, glycoprotein VI activation leads to early protein kinase C- and MLC kinase-dependent degranulation. Rapidly released ATP triggers P2X1 -mediated Ca2+ influx, activating ERK2, in turn amplifying platelet secretion by reinforcing the early MLC kinase phosphorylation. Hence, the P2X1-ERK2-MLC axis contributes to collagen-induced platelet activation by enhancing platelet degranulation.     

Inhibitory mechanisms of metallothionein on platelet aggregation in in vitro and platelet plug formation in in vivo experiments

Metallothionein (MT) is a low-molecular-weight, cysteine-rich protein that contains heavy metals such as cadmium and zinc. The biological function of MT in platelets is not yet understood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to systematically examine the inhibitory mechanisms of metallothionein in platelet aggregation. In this study, metallothionein concentration-dependently (1-8 microM) inhibited platelet aggregation in human platelets stimulated by agonists. Metallothionein (4 and 8 microM) inhibited phosphoinositide breakdown in [3H]-inositol-labeled platelets, intracellular Ca+2 mobilization in Fura-2 AM-loaded platelets, and thromboxane A2 formation stimulated by collagen. In addition, metallothionein (4 and 8 microM) significantly increased the formation of cyclic GMP but not cyclic AMP in human platelets. Rapid phosphorylation of a protein of Mr 47,000 (P47), a marker of protein kinase C activation, was triggered by PDBu (100 nM). This phosphorylation was markedly inhibited by metallothionein (4 and 8 microM) in phosphorus-32-labeled platelets. In an in vivo thrombotic study, platelet thrombus formation was induced by irradiation of mesenteric venules in mice pretreated with fluorescein sodium. Metallothionein (6 microg/g) significantly prolonged the latency period for inducing platelet plug formation in mesenteric venules. These results indicate that the antiplatelet activity of metallothionein may involve the following pathways: (1) metallothionein may inhibit the activation of phospholipase C, followed by inhibition of phosphoinositide breakdown and thromboxane A2 formation, thereby leading to inhibition of intracellular Ca+2 mobilization; (ii) Metallothionein also activated the formation of cyclic GMP in human platelets, resulting in inhibition of platelet aggregation. The results strongly indicate that metallothionein provides protection against thromboembolism.     

Elevated cytosolic Ca2+ activates phospholipase D in human platelets

We have examined the activation of phospholipase D in human platelets treated with alpha-thrombin. When incubated with 1-O-[9,10-3H2]hexadecyl-2-lysophosphatidylcholine (PtdCho) and 1-alkyl-[32P]lysoPtdCho for 2 h, platelets formed 3H/32P-labeled PtdCho in a ratio of 11:1. After incubation of such labeled platelets with alpha-thrombin for 5 min, increased accumulation of 3H/32P-labeled phosphatidic acid (PtdOH) was detected in the same ratio, indicating the action of phospholipase D. The Ca2+ ionophore A23187 and alpha-thrombin each stimulated the formation of labeled PtdOH as above in a time- and concentration-dependent manner, with only minor changes in labeled diglyceride. A23187 was able to cause increases in labeled PtdOH comparable to those observed with alpha-thrombin. beta-Phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate, an activator of protein kinase C, only slightly stimulated the accumulation of labeled PtOH. The protein kinase C inhibitor, staurosporine, totally blocked these changes but only slightly inhibited the increases in labeled PtdOH promoted by alpha-thrombin. These results suggest that an increase in intracellular Ca2+, rather than protein kinase C activity, is a major factor regulating phospholipase D in platelets exposed to alpha-thrombin. We have also examined the relative contributions of phospholipase D and diglyceride kinase (following phospholipase C action) to PtdOH accumulation in [32P]Pi-labeled platelets by comparing the 32P-specific radioactivities of PtdOH, PtdCho, and metabolic gamma-ATP in control and alpha-thrombin-exposed platelets. Based on these determinations, we conclude that 13 and 87% of incremental PtdOH in human platelets exposed to alpha-thrombin arises via phospholipase D acting on PtdCho and phospholipase C/diglyceride kinase, respectively.     

Ca2+ mobilization primes protein kinase C in human platelets. Ca2+ and phorbol esters stimulate platelet aggregation and secretion synergistically through protein kinase C.

Low concentrations of Ca2+-mobilizing agonists such as vasopressin, platelet-activating factor, ADP, the endoperoxide analogue U44069 and the Ca2+ ionophore A23187 enhance the binding of [3H]phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PdBu) to intact human platelets. This effect is prevented by preincubation of platelets with prostacyclin (except for A23187). Adrenaline, which does not increase Ca2+ in the platelet cytosol, does not enhance the binding of [3H]PdBu to platelets. In addition, all platelet agonists except adrenaline potentiate the phosphorylation of the substrate of protein kinase C (40 kDa protein) induced by PdBu. Potentiation of protein kinase C activation is associated with increased platelet aggregation and secretion. Stimulus-induced myosin light-chain phosphorylation and shape change are not significantly affected, but formation of phosphatidic acid is decreased in the presence of PdBu. The results may indicate that low concentrations of agonists induce in intact platelets the translocation of protein kinase C to the plasma membrane by eliciting mobilization of Ca2+, and thereby place the enzyme in a strategic position for activation by phorbol ester. Such activation enhances platelet aggregation and secretion, but at the same time suppresses activation of phospholipase C. Therefore, at least part of the synergism evoked by Ca2+ and phorbol ester is mediated through a single pathway which involves protein kinase C. It is likely that the priming of protein kinase C by prior Ca2+ mobilization occurs physiologically in activated platelets.     

Factors affecting dense and alpha-granule secretion from electropermeabilized human platelets: Ca(2+)-independent actions of phorbol ester and GTP gamma S.

Electropermeabilized human platelets containing 5-hydroxy[14C]tryptamine ([14C]5-HT) were suspended in a glutamate medium containing ATP and incubated for 10 min with (in various combinations) Ca2+ buffers, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), guanine nucleotides, and thrombin. Release of [14C]5-HT and beta-thromboglobulin (beta TG) were used to measure secretion from dense and alpha-granules, respectively. Ca2+ alone induced secretion from both granule types; half-maximal effects were seen at a -log [Ca2+ free] (pCa) of 5.5 and maximal secretion at a pCa of 4.5, when approximately 80% of 5-HT and approximately 50% of beta TG were released. Addition of PMA, guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTP gamma S), GTP, or thrombin shifted the Ca2+ dose-response curves for secretion of both 5-HT and beta TG to the left and caused small increases in the maximum secretion observed. These results suggested that secretion from alpha-granules, like that from dense granules, is a Ca(2+)-dependent process stimulated by the sequential activation of a G-protein, phospholipase C, and protein kinase C (PKC). However, high concentrations of PMA and GTP gamma S had distinct effects in the absence of Ca2+ (pCa greater than 9); 100 nM PMA released approximately 20% of platelet 5-HT but little beta TG, whereas 100 microM GTP gamma S stimulated secretion of approximately 25% of each. Simultaneous addition of PMA greatly enhanced these effects of GTP gamma S. Phosphorylation of pleckstrin in permeabilized platelets incubated with [gamma-32P]ATP was used as an index of the activation of PKC during secretion. In the absence of Ca2+, 100 nM PMA caused maximal phosphorylation of pleckstrin and 100 microM GTP gamma S was approximately 50% as effective as PMA; neither GTP gamma S nor Ca2+ enhanced the phosphorylation of pleckstrin caused by 100 nM PMA. These results indicate that, although activation of PKC promoted secretion, GTP gamma S exerted additional stimulatory effects on secretion from both dense and alpha-granules that were not mediated by PKC. Measurement of [3H]inositol phosphate formation in permeabilized platelets containing [3H]phosphoinositides showed that GTP gamma S did not stimulate phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C in the absence of Ca2+. It follows that in permeabilized platelets, GTP gamma S can both stimulate PKC and enhance secretion via G-protein-linked effectors other than this phospholipase.     

A diacylglycerol kinase inhibitor, R59022, potentiates secretion by and aggregation of thrombin-stimulated human platelets.

The diacylglycerol kinase inhibitor R59022 (10 microM) potentiates secretion and aggregation responses in human platelets challenged with sub-maximal concentrations of thrombin. Potentiation correlates closely with increased formation of diacylglycerol, increased phosphorylation of a 40 kDa protein, a known substrate for protein kinase C, and with decreased formation of phosphatidic acid, the product of diacylglycerol kinase. Phosphorylation of myosin light chains, formation of inositol phosphates and the mobilization of Ca2+ by thrombin are not affected by R59022 (10 microM). These data support a role for protein kinase C in platelet aggregation and secretion, and provide further evidence that endogenous diacylglycerols bring about the activation of this enzyme. These data also add further argument against a role for phosphatidic acid in platelet activation.     

The role of phospholipase C in platelet responses

Degradation of inositides induced by phospholipase C in activated platelets leads to the formation of 1,2-diacylglycerol (1,2-DG) and its phosphorylated product, phosphatidic acid (PA). We have studied the relationship between activation of phospholipase C and the appearance of specific platelet responses, such as phosphorylation of proteins, shape change, release reaction and aggregation induced by different stimuli such as thrombin, platelet-activating factor, collagen, arachidonic acid (AA) and dihomogamma linolenic acid. A low degree of platelet activation induces only shape change which is associated with partial activation of phospholipase C (formation of phosphatidic acid), and phosphorylation of both a 40K molecular weight protein (protein kinase C activation) and a 20K molecular weight protein (myosin light chain). A higher degree of platelet activation induces aggregation, release of serotonin and a higher level of phospholipase C and protein kinase C activities. Metabolism of AA occurs concomitantly to aggregation and serotonin release, but AA metabolites are not related to the shape change of human platelets. Platelet shape change and the initial activation of phospholipase C induced by thrombin or platelet-activating factor is independent of the metabolites derived from cyclo-oxygenase activity. Further activation of phospholipase C which occurs during platelet aggregation and release reaction is, however, partly dependent on cyclo-oxygenase metabolites.     

Sphingosine inhibition of agonist-dependent secretion and activation of human platelets implies that protein kinase C is a necessary and common event of the signal transduction pathways

Sphingosine is a potent inhibitor of [3H]phorbol dibutyrate binding and protein kinase C activity in vitro and in human platelets (Hannun, Y., Loomis, C., Merrill, A., and Bell, R. (1986) J. Biol. Chem. 261, 12604-12609). Preincubation of platelets with sphingosine resulted in the inhibition of platelet secretion and second phase aggregation in response to ADP, gamma-thrombin, collagen, arachidonic acid, and platelet activating factor. Sphingosine did not affect the initial shape change of platelets or the first phase of aggregation in response to these agonists. Ristocetin-induced platelet agglutination was not affected by sphingosine. Sphingosine inhibition of secondary aggregation (secretion and second phase aggregation) was overcome by phorbol dibutyrate and by the cell-permeable protein kinase C activator, dioctanoylglycerol. Furthermore, platelet secretion and irreversible aggregation were induced by protein kinase C activators in platelets that had been "primed" to undergo initial shape change and first phase aggregation by low concentrations of agonists. These results suggest that protein kinase C activation is a necessary component in the signal transducing pathways that lead to platelet activation. Higher concentrations of agonists, however, induced irreversible aggregation and partial secretion in the presence of sphingosine, suggesting the existence of protein kinase C-independent pathways for platelet activation. These results demonstrate the utility of sphingosine as a pharmacologic tool in probing the role of protein kinase C in signal transduction.     

Platelet aggregation induced by alpha 2-adrenoceptor and protein kinase C activation. A novel synergism.

Adrenaline or UK 14304 (a specific alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist) and phorbol ester (phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate; PdBu) or bioactive diacylglycerols (sn-1,2-dioctanoylglycerol; DiC8) synergistically induced platelet aggregation and ATP secretion. The effect on aggregation was more pronounced than the effect on secretion, and it was observed in aspirinized, platelet-rich plasma or suspensions of washed aspirinized platelets containing ADP scavengers. No prior shape change was found. In the presence of adrenaline, DiC8 induced reversible aggregation and PdBu evoked irreversible aggregation that correlated with the different kinetics of DiC8- and PdBu-induced protein kinase C activation. Adrenaline and UK 14304 did not induce or enhance phosphorylation induced by DiC8 or PdBu of myosin light chain (20 kDa), the substrate of protein kinase C (47 kDa), or a 38 kDa protein. Immunoprecipitation studies using a Gcommon alpha antiserum or a Gi alpha antiserum showed that Gi alpha is not phosphorylated after exposure of platelets to PdBu or PdBu plus adrenaline. Adrenaline, PdBu or adrenaline plus PdBu did not cause stimulation of phospholipase C as reflected in production of [32P]phosphatidic acid. Adrenaline caused a small increase of Ca2+ in the platelet cytosol of platelets loaded with Indo-1; this effect was also observed in the absence of extracellular Ca2+. However, under conditions of maximal aggregation induced by adrenaline plus PdBu, no increase of cytosolic Ca2+ was observed. Platelet aggregation induced by PdBu plus adrenaline was not inhibited by a high intracellular concentration of the calcium chelator Quin-2. These experiments indicate that alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonists, known to interact with Gi, and protein kinase C activators synergistically induced platelet aggregation through a novel mechanism. The synergism occurs distally to Gi protein activation and protein kinase C-dependent protein phosphorylation and does not involve phospholipase C activation or Ca2+ mobilization.     

Stimulus-response coupling in human platelets activated by monoclonal antibodies to the CD9 antigen, a 24 kDa surface-membrane glycoprotein.

The CD9 molecule is a 24 kDa surface-membrane glycoprotein present on platelets and a variety of haematopoetic and non-haematopoetic tissues. In the present study we utilized specific inhibitors of thromboxane A2 (TxA2) formation (aspirin), protein kinase C [H-7 [1-(5-isoquinolinesulphonyl)-2-methylpiperazine]] and autocrine stimulation by secreted ADP (apyrase) to modify platelet activation by a monoclonal antibody ALB-6 to the CD9 antigen. This activation is only partially inhibited by aspirin alone but, in combination with either H-7 or apyrase, more than 50% inhibition of platelet aggregation and secretion was observed. This combination of inhibitors was also required to inhibit effectively the phosphorylation of myosin light chain and the 47 kDa substrate of protein kinase C. Intracellular Ca2+ flux monitored by the fluorescent dye fura-2 showed that this was almost completely mediated by the aspirin-sensitive TxA2 pathway. We suggest that the aspirin-insensitive pathway is primarily mediated by phospholipase C formation of diacylglycerol to activate protein kinase C. The inhibition by apyrase suggests a strong dependency on autocrine stimulation by secreted ADP to fully activate both phospholipase C and express fibrinogen-binding sites mediating platelet aggregation. This alternate pathway of phospholipase C activation by ALB-6 may be mediated by cytoplasmic alkalinization [monitored by SNARF-1 (5'(6')-carboxy-10-bismethylamino-3-hydroxy-spiro-[7H- benzo[c]xanthine-1',7(3H)-isobenzofuran]-3'-one) fluorescence of the dye]. Both activation pathways are dependent on intact antibodies, since F(ab')2 fragments of SYB-1, a monoclonal antibody against the CD9 antigen with activation characteristics identical with those of ALB-6, do not elicit activation. Besides thrombin, collagen is another physiological agonist shown to induce aspirin-insensitive activation. Similarities to ALB-6 in collagen sensitivity to apyrase in combination with aspirin inhibitors were noted with respect to aggregation and secretion, as well as a complete block of Ca2+ flux by aspirin. However, it is unlikely that collagen activation is mediated by the CD9 antigen, since SYB-1 F(ab')2 fragments had no effect on collagen activation and aspirin also completely blocked the alkalinization response to collagen, in contrast with ALB-6.     

ATP depletion in human platelets caused by permeabilization with saponin does not prevent serotonin secretion induced by collagen

Saponin (5 to 25 micrograms/ml) produced a concentration-dependent decrease in the cellular content of total ATP and [32P]ATP in 32P-labeled human platelets. In platelets whose ATP had been profoundly decreased by saponin, Ca2+ produced phosphomonoesteratic cleavage of the polyphosphoinositides with a concomitant accumulation of phosphatidylinositol. Collagen still induced secretion of serotonin in platelets that had been treated with saponin in the presence or absence of Ca2+. This effect of collagen occurred in the absence of the formation of cyclooxygenase metabolites. In platelet permeabilized with saponin, agonist-induced secretion and aggregation seems to be unrelated to protein phosphorylation, breakdown of the inositol phospholipids by phospholipase C and formation of cyclooxygenase metabolites.     

How does fluoroaluminate activate human platelets?

Platelet activation induced by NaF or fluoroaluminate (AlF4-) was studied. The latter has been described to substitute for the gamma-phosphate group of the GTP molecule. With 10 mM-NaF, a concentration unable to induce any measurable Ca2+ mobilization (as measured with Indo 1), addition of AlCl3 potentiated platelet aggregation, thromboxane synthesis, diacylglycerol formation and p43 phosphorylation, without any increase in intracellular Ca2+. Neither phosphoinositide hydrolysis nor phosphatidic acid formation could be detected. AlF4- induced the release through a granule centralization within a microtubule bundle, although no myosin light-chain phosphorylation could be detected. Addition of flurbiprofen (10 microM) resulted in only partial inhibition of diacylglycerol formation, with no effect on the release reaction or on p43 phosphorylation. The present results suggest that AlF4- does not stimulate a G-protein governing the phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C. The AlF4(-)-induced diacylglycerol formation is discussed. Moreover, these results bring evidence that there is no correlation between granule centralization and myosin light-chain phosphorylation.     

Phosphatidic acid with medium-length fatty acyl chains synergistically stimulates phospholipase C with Ca2+ in rabbit platelets.

The mode of phospholipase C activation in platelet cells induced by didecanoyl (C10)-phosphatidic acid (PA) was investigated with washed rabbit platelets. The C10-PA dose-dependently induced aggregation and serotonin secretion, as well as increases in cytoplasmic free Ca2+ concentration and 1,2-diacylglycerol formation. None of these responses was evoked unless Ca2+ had been added to the platelet suspension. Furthermore, under the conditions of various intracellular Ca2+ concentrations which were set by treatment of the cells with ionomycin and Ca2+, C10-PA promoted 1,2-diacylglycerol formation only at the Ca2+ concentration of 300 nM or higher, whereas thrombin induced the formation even at 100 nM Ca2+. These results suggest that PA activates platelet phospholipase C in cooperation with Ca2+ and contributes to platelet activation through such an effect.     

Possible mechanisms of the potentiation of blood-platelet activation by adrenaline.

Vasopressin and adrenaline in combination exert synergistic effects on platelet activity. This study investigated the effects of sub-threshold concentrations of adrenaline (0.1-1 microM) on vasopressin (10 nM-1 microM)-induced platelet aggregation, ATP secretion, elevation of cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and hydrolysis of inositol phospholipids, monitored as [32P]phosphatidic acid formation. Potentiation of vasopressin-induced aggregation and ATP secretion by adrenaline was accompanied by enhanced elevation of [Ca2+]i and [32P]phosphatidic acid formation. The stimulatory effects of adrenaline on vasopressin-induced platelet activation were mimicked by the combination of the Ca2+ ionophore, ionomycin, and the protein kinase C activator, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, but not by either of these agents alone. These results suggest that the potentiation of vasopressin-induced platelet activation by adrenaline is mediated via enhancement of inositol phospholipid hydrolysis and elevation of [Ca2+]i.     

The Gi-coupled P2Y12 receptor regulates diacylglycerol-mediated signaling in human platelets

Stimulation of G(q)-coupled receptors activates phospholipase C and is supposed to promote both intracellular Ca(2+) mobilization and protein kinase C (PKC) activation. We found that ADP-induced phosphorylation of pleckstrin, the main platelet substrate for PKC, was completely inhibited not only by an antagonist of the G(q)-coupled P2Y1 receptor but also upon blockade of the G(i)-coupled P2Y12 receptor. The role of G(i) on PKC regulation required stimulation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase rather than inhibition of adenylyl cyclase. P2Y12 antagonists also inhibited pleckstrin phosphorylation, Rap1b activation, and platelet aggregation induced upon G(q) stimulation by the thromboxane A(2) analogue U46619. Importantly, activation of phospholipase C and intracellular Ca(2+) mobilization occurred normally. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate overcame the inhibitory effect of P2Y12 receptor blockade on PKC activation but not on Rap1b activation and platelet aggregation. By contrast, inhibition of diacylglycerol kinase restored both PKC and Rap1b activity and caused platelet aggregation. Stimulation of P2Y12 receptor or direct inhibition of diacylglycerol kinase potentiated the effect of membrane-permeable sn-1,2-dioctanoylglycerol on platelet aggregation and pleckstrin phosphorylation, in association with inhibition of its phosphorylation to phosphatidic acid. These results reveal a novel and unexpected role of the G(i)-coupled P2Y12 receptor in the regulation of diacylglycerol-mediated events in activated platelets.     

Epinephrine potentiates calcium mobilization and activation of protein kinases in platelets stimulated by ADP through a mechanism unrelated to phospholipase C

ADP, added to suspensions of aspirinized 32P-prelabelled washed platelets, induced reversible platelet aggregation, the rapid elevation of cytosolic Ca2+ (maximum at 2 s), 20 kDa myosin light chain phosphorylation (maximum faster than 3 s), 40 kDa protein phosphorylation (maximum at 3-10 s) and phosphatidic acid formation (maximum at 30 s). Prior addition of epinephrine potentiated platelet aggregation, cytosolic Ca2(+)-elevation, 20 and 40 kDa protein phosphorylation evoked by ADP, but it did not enhance phosphatidic acid formation induced by ADP. The potentiating effect of epinephrine on aggregation, cytosolic Ca2(+)-increase and 20 and 40 kDa protein phosphorylation induced by ADP was also observed in the presence of EGTA. Ethylisopropylamiloride, an inhibitor of Na+/H(+)-exchange, did not affect the potentiation of ADP-induced platelet aggregation by epinephrine. We conclude that epinephrine primes platelets to increase Ca2(+)-influx and Ca2(+)-mobilization in response to ADP. The potentiation of cytosolic Ca2(+)-elevation by epinephrine leads to further stimulation of myosin light chain phosphorylation and protein kinase C activation and ultimately to enhanced platelet aggregation. These effects of epinephrine do not seem to take place at the level of phospholipase C.     

Predominant inhibition of ganodermic acid S on the thromboxane A2-dependent pathway in human platelets response to collagen

Ganodermic acid S (GAS), a membrane acting agent, exerts multiple effects on human platelet function (C.N. Wang et al. (1991) Biochem. J. 277, 189-197). The study reported how GAS affected the response of human gel-filtered platelets (GFP) to collagen. The agent inhibited cell aggregation by prolonging lag and shape change periods and decreasing the initial cell aggregation rate. However, the inhibitory efficiency was less than its inhibition on GFP response to U46619, a thromboxane (TX) A2 mimetic. In the agent-effect on biochemical events, GAS effectively inhibited Ca2+ mobilization, phosphorylation of myosin light chain, dense granule secretion and TXB2 generation. The inhibitions might originate from blocking Ca2+ mobilization of the TXA2-dependent pathway. GAS partially decreased the phosphorylation of most phosphotyrosine proteins from early activation to the integrin alphaIIbbeta3-regulated steps. The agent did not affect the phosphorylation of three proteins at the steps regulated by integrin alphaIIbbeta3. The results suggest that GAS inhibits the collagen response predominantly on the TXA2-dependent signaling, and the tyrosine kinase-dependent pathway in collagen response plays a major role in aggregation.     

Possible involvement of cytoskeleton in collagen-stimulated activation of phospholipases in human platelets

The action of phospholipases A2 and C in the course of collagen-stimulated platelet activation and the effect of cytochalasins on the responses were studied. Stimulation of human platelets with collagen was accompanied by aggregation, Ca2+ mobilization, inositol phosphate formation, and arachidonic acid release. However, in the presence of a cyclooxygenase inhibitor or a thromboxane A2 (TXA2) receptor antagonist, collagen induced only weak arachidonic acid release and weak inositol phosphate formation. The TXA2 mimetic agonist U46619 induced all the responses except for arachidonic acid release, which was induced by synergistic action of collagen and U46619. The result that U46619 did not induce arachidonic acid release despite the activation of phospholipase C suggested that arachidonic acid was not released via phospholipase C but by phospholipase A2. These findings suggested that collagen initially induced weak activation of phospholipases A2 and C and that further activation of phospholipase C as well as Ca2+ mobilization and aggregation were induced by TXA2, whereas further activation of phospholipase A2 required the synergistic action of collagen and TXA2. Platelets pretreated with cytochalasins did not respond to collagen. Further analysis revealed that the initial activation of phospholipases A2 and C was specifically inhibited by cytochalasins, but the responses induced by U46619 or a synergistic action of collagen and U46619 were not inhibited. Therefore, we proposed that interaction of collagen receptor with actin filaments might have some roles in the collagen-induced initial activation of phospholipases.     

Dihomogammalinolenic acid, but not eicosapentaenoic acid, activates washed human platelets

Dihomogammalinolenic acid (2.5-20 microM) added to suspensions of washed human platelets induces platelet shape change and the formation of 1,2-diacylglycerol and phosphatidic acid, indicating the activation of phospholipase C. It also stimulates the phosphorylation of a 40 kDa protein, indicating the activation of protein kinase C. Dihomogammalinolenic acid is converted mainly to 12-hydroxyheptadecadienoic acid and to a smaller extent to prostaglandin E1 and thromboxane B1. Small quantities of the lipoxygenase product 12-hydroxyeicosatrienoic acid are also observed. Indomethacin, by blocking platelet cyclooxygenase, prevents the activation of phospholipase C, protein kinase C, and platelet shape change induced by dihomogammalinolenic acid. Compound UK 38485, a specific thromboxane synthetase inhibitor, does not block platelet activation induced by dihomogammalinolenic acid. The results indicate that endoperoxides derived from dihomogammalinolenic acid, such as prostaglandin G1 or prostaglandin H1, may be responsible for the stimulation of phospholipase C and protein kinase C, and for the induction of platelet shape change. Eicosapentaenoic acid does not activate platelets and is poorly metabolized by platelet cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase. Eicosapentaenoic acid is a better inhibitor of platelet activation induced by various agonists in washed platelets than dihomogammalinolenic acid. Eicosapentaenoic acid and dihomogammalinolenic acid are, however, equally effective in inhibiting aggregation induced by collagen in platelet-rich plasma. We suggest that eicosapentaenoic acid might be a better antithrombotic agent than dihomogammalinolenic acid.     

Studies of the Ca2+ requirements for glucose- and carbachol-induced augmentation of inositol trisphosphate and inositol tetrakisphosphate accumulation in digitonin-permeabilized islets. Evidence for a glucose recognition site in insulin secretion

The metabolism of D-glucose is believed to initiate and regulate insulin secretion by islet beta-cells, although the identity of the metabolite which couples glucose metabolism to the cellular events involved in insulin secretion is unknown. An alternative hypothesis involves the presence of a glucoreceptor for which there has been no biochemical evidence. We have investigated whether glucose recognition by the beta-cell is coupled to phospholipase C. We have used digitonin-permeabilized, [3H]inositol-prelabeled islets to study glucose and carbachol activation of phospholipase C. In this model, carbachol recognition by its muscarinic receptor was coupled to phospholipase C activation. D-Glucose (but not L-glucose) also stimulated phospholipase C activity in these permeabilized islets. This effect was not due to glucose metabolism since glucose 6-phosphate did not affect phospholipase C activity and since phosphorylation of [3H]glucose was not detectable in digitonin-permeabilized islets. Glucose had no effect on the myo-inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate-5-phosphatase or 3-kinase activities. In the absence of agonist, free Ca2+ concentrations between 0.1 and 1 microM (as determined with a Ca2+-specific electrode) did not influence phospholipase C activity. Stimulation of phospholipase C activity by either carbachol or glucose required Ca2+ in the submicromolar range and was optimal at 0.5 microM free Ca2+.myo-Inositol-1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate production from permeabilized islets was synergistically augmented by Ca2+ (0.5-10 microM) and glucose. Phospholipase C activity in islets is therefore not directly activated by free Ca2+ concentrations in the submicromolar range. Furthermore, glucose per se activates phospholipase C activity independently of glucose metabolism. A working hypothesis based on these findings is that glucose is recognized by a site which is coupled to phospholipase C in islets.