The presence of the WGD motif in CC8 heterodimeric disintegrin increases its inhibitory effect on alphaII(b)beta3, alpha(v)beta3, and alpha5beta1 integrins

Two highly homologous dimeric disintegrins, CC5 and CC8, have been isolated from the venom of the North African sand viper Cerastes cerastes. CC5 is a homodimer containing an RGD motif in its subunits. CC8 is a heterodimer. The CC8A and CC8B subunits contain RGD and WGD tripeptide sequence in their respective integrin-binding loops. Both CC5 and CC8 inhibited platelet aggregation and the adhesion of cells expressing integrins alphaII(b)beta3, alpha(v)beta3, and alpha5beta1 to appropriate ligands. However, the inhibitory activity of CC8 was at least 1 order of magnitude higher than that of CC5. Enhanced activity of CC8 over CC5 was also observed in the induction of LIBS epitopes on beta1 and beta3 integrins. Synthetic peptides in which the arginyl residue of the RGD motif had been replaced with tryptophans exhibited increased inhibitory activity toward integrins alpha5beta1, alphaII(b)beta3, and alpha(v)beta3. Moreover, alanine substitution of the aspartic acid of the WGD motif of these peptides decreased their inhibitory ability, whereas the same substitution in the RGD sequence almost completely abolished the activity of the peptides. We conclude that the WGD motif enhances the inhibitory activity of disintegrins toward alphaII(b)beta3, alpha(v)beta3, and alpha5beta1 integrins.     

Redox control of platelet aggregation

Sulfhydryl and disulfide metabolism in platelet function has recently reemerged as a focus of platelet research. In this study we tested the effect of redox buffer on platelet aggregation and the effect of reduced glutathione (GSH) and platelet activation on sulfhydryl exposure in the platelet fibrinogen receptor, alpha IIb beta 3. In the presence of subthreshold concentrations of agonist, physiologic concentrations of GSH (10 microM) stimulated platelet aggregation and secretion. These effects were found with more than one platelet agonist and with different low molecular weight thiols, including homocysteine. The effect of low molecular weight thiols was reproduced with the peptide LSARLAF which directly activates platelets through alpha IIb beta 3, suggesting that the mechanism is at the level of this integrin. After determining optimal sulfhydryl labeling conditions for alpha IIb beta 3 (5 mM EDTA, 37 degrees C, 60 min), we found that GSH (10 microM) generated sulfhydryls in the beta 3 subunit. To determine if the requirement was for reducing equivalents or for a redox potential (ratio of GSH to GSSG), aggregation was further studied with the addition of low concentrations of GSSG to the GSH. With a ratio of GSH/GSSG of 5/1, similar to that of blood, the addition of GSSG potentiated the stimulatory effect as compared to GSH alone. This indicates that, for potentiation of aggregation, GSH is not simply reducing disulfide bonds; there is rather a requirement for a certain redox potential. Additional studies performed in the absence of added glutathione showed an increase in sulfhydryl labeling in the beta 3 subunit during platelet activation. Finally, we show that vicinal dithiols of platelet surface proteins are involved in the sulfhydryl-dependent pathways of platelet activation. In summary, these data imply that the redox potential of blood regulates activation of the alpha IIb beta 3 integrin and together with other reports in the literature suggest that disulfide bond cleavage with sulfhydryl generation in beta 3 is involved in activation of this receptor.     

Proximal, selective, and dynamic interactions between integrin alphaIIbbeta3 and protein tyrosine kinases in living cells

Stable platelet aggregation, adhesion, and spreading during hemostasis are promoted by outside-in alphaIIbbeta3 signals that feature rapid activation of c-Src and Syk, delayed activation of FAK, and cytoskeletal reorganization. To evaluate these alphaIIbbeta3-tyrosine kinase interactions at nanometer proximity in living cells, we monitored bioluminescence resonance energy transfer between GFP and Renilla luciferase chimeras and bimolecular fluorescence complementation between YFP half-molecule chimeras. These techniques revealed that alphaIIbbeta3 interacts with c-Src at the periphery of nonadherent CHO cells. After plating cells on fibrinogen, complexes of alphaIIbbeta3-c-Src, alphaIIbbeta3-Syk, and c-Src-Syk are observed in membrane ruffles and focal complexes, and the interactions involving Syk require Src activity. In contrast, FAK interacts with alphaIIbbeta3 and c-Src, but not with Syk, in focal complexes and adhesions. All of these interactions require the integrin beta3 cytoplasmic tail. Thus, alphaIIbbeta3 interacts proximally, if not directly, with tyrosine kinases in a coordinated, selective, and dynamic manner during sequential phases of alphaIIbbeta3 signaling to the actin cytoskeleton.     

Distinct contributions of glycoprotein VI and alpha(2)beta(1) integrin to the induction of platelet protein tyrosine phosphorylation and aggregation

Platelet activation by collagen depends principally on two receptors, alpha(2)beta(1) integrin (GPIa-IIa) and GPVI. During this activation, the nonreceptor protein tyrosine kinase pp72(syk) is rapidly phosphorylated, but the precise contribution of alpha(2)beta(1) integrin and GPVI to signaling for this phosphorylation is not clear. We have recently found that proteolysis of platelet alpha(2)beta(1) integrin by the snake venom metalloproteinase, jararhagin, results in inhibition of collagen-induced platelet aggregation and pp72(syk) phosphorylation. In order to verify whether the treatment of platelets with jararhagin had any effect on GPVI signaling, in this study we stimulated platelets treated with either jararhagin or anti-alpha(2)beta(1) antibody with two GPVI agonists, an antibody to GPVI and convulxin. Platelet shape change and phosphorylation of pp72(syk) by both GPVI agonists was preserved, as was the structure and function of GPVI shown by (125)I-labeled convulxin binding to immunoprecipitated GPVI from jararhagin-treated platelets. In contrast, defective platelet aggregation in response to GPVI agonists occurred in both jararhagin-treated and alpha(2)beta(1)-blocked platelets. This apparent cosignaling role of alpha(2)beta(1) integrin for platelet aggregation suggests the possibility of a topographical association of this integrin with GPVI. We found that both platelet alpha(2)beta(1) integrin and GPVI coimmunoprecipitated with alpha(IIb)beta(3) integrin. Since platelet aggregation requires activation of alpha(IIb)beta(3) integrin, defective aggregation in the absence of alpha(2)beta(1) suggests that this receptor may provide a signaling link between GPVI and alpha(IIb)beta(3). Our study therefore demonstrates that platelet signaling leading to pp72(syk) phosphorylation initiated with GPVI engagement by either convulxin or GPVI antibody does not depend on alpha(2)beta(1) integrin. However, alpha(IIb)beta(3) integrin may, in this model, require functional alpha(2)beta(1) integrin for its activation.     

Phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibition reverses platelet aggregation triggered by the combination of the neutrophil proteinases elastase and cathepsin G without impairing alpha(IIb)beta(3) integrin activation

Neutrophil elastase (NE) upregulates the fibrinogen binding activity of the platelet integrin alpha(IIb)beta(3) through proteolysis of the alpha(IIb) subunit. This cleavage allows a strong potentiation of platelet aggregation induced by low concentrations of cathepsin G (CG), another neutrophil serine proteinase. During this activation process, we observed a strong fibrinogen binding and aggregation-dependent phosphatidylinositol 3,4-bis-phosphate (PtdIns(3,4)P(2)) accumulation. PtdIns(3,4)P(2) has been suggested to play a role in the stabilization of platelet aggregation, possibly through the control of a maintained alpha(IIb)beta(3) integrin activation. Here we show that inhibition of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI 3-K) by very low concentrations of wortmannin or LY294002 transformed the irreversible platelet aggregation induced by a combination of NE and low concentrations of CG into a reversible aggregation. However, although inhibition of PI 3-K was very efficient in inducing platelet disaggregation, it did not modify the level of alpha(IIb)beta(3) activation as assessed by binding of an activation-dependent antibody. These results indicate that PI 3-K activity can control the irreversibility of platelet aggregation even under conditions where alpha(IIb)beta(3) integrin remains activated.     

Costimulation of Gi- and G12/G13-mediated signaling pathways induces integrin alpha IIbbeta 3 activation in platelets

Platelet activation is a complex process induced by a variety of stimuli, which act in concert to ensure the rapid formation of a platelet plug at places of vascular injury. We show here that fibrillar collagen, which initiates platelet activation at the damaged vessel wall, activates only a small fraction of platelets in suspension directly, whereas the majority of platelets becomes activated by mediators released from collagen-activated platelets. In Galpha(q)-deficient platelets that do not respond with activation of integrin alpha(IIb)beta(3) to a variety of mediators like thromboxane A2 (TXA2), thrombin, or ADP, collagen at high concentrations was able to induce aggregation, an effect that could be blocked by antagonists of the TXA2 or P2Y12 receptors. The activation of TXA2 or P2Y12 receptors alone, which in Galpha(q)-deficient platelets couple to G12/G13 and Gi, respectively, did not induce platelet integrin activation or aggregation. However, concomitant activation of both receptors resulted in irreversible integrin alpha(IIb)beta3-mediated aggregation of Galpha(q)-deficient platelets. Thus, the activation of G12/G13- and Gi-mediated signaling pathways is sufficient to induce integrin alpha(IIb)beta3 activation. Although G(q)-mediated signaling plays an important role in platelet activation, it is not strictly required for the activation of integrin alpha(IIb)beta3. This indicates that the efficient induction of platelet aggregation through G-protein-coupled receptors is an integrated response mediated by various converging G-protein-mediated signaling pathways involving G(q) and G(i) as well as G12/G13.     

Essential role of protein kinase C delta in platelet signaling, alpha IIb beta 3 activation, and thromboxane A2 release

The protein kinase C (PKC) family is an essential signaling mediator in platelet activation and aggregation. However, the relative importance of the major platelet PKC isoforms and their downstream effectors in platelet signaling and function remain unclear. Using isolated human platelets, we report that PKCdelta, but not PKCalpha or PKCbeta, is required for collagen-induced phospholipase C-dependent signaling, activation of alpha(IIb)beta(3), and platelet aggregation. Analysis of PKCdelta phosphorylation and translocation to the membrane following activation by both collagen and thrombin indicates that it is positively regulated by alpha(IIb)beta(3) outside-in signaling. Moreover, PKCdelta triggers activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase-kinase (MEK)/extracellular-signal regulated kinase (ERK) and the p38 MAPK signaling. This leads to the subsequent release of thromboxane A(2), which is essential for collagen-induced but not thrombin-induced platelet activation and aggregation. This study adds new insight to the role of PKCs in platelet function, where PKCdelta signaling, via the MEK/ERK and p38 MAPK pathways, is required for the secretion of thromboxane A(2).     

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.     

Aggretin, a C-type lectin protein, induces platelet aggregation via integrin alpha(2)beta(1) and GPIb in a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase independent pathway.

Aggretin purified from Calloselasma rhodostoma venom was previously identified as alpha(2)beta(1) agonist in triggering platelet aggregation, and exists as a heterodimer sharing a great homologous sequence to GPIb binding proteins. We show here that binding to GPIb is also required in aggregation-inducing activity of aggretin. A2-IIE10, an anti-integrin alpha(2) monoclonal antibody, delayed platelet aggregation while agkistin, a GPIb antagonist, only slightly inhibited platelet aggregation caused by aggretin. However, the aggretin-induced platelet aggregation was completely abolished by a combination of A2-IIE10 and agkistin. Either A2-IIE10 or agkistin significantly inhibited the binding of FITC-aggretin toward fixed platelets. Aggretin and collagen induced a similar signal transduction in platelets involving a time-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation of p125(FAK) and PLCgamma2, but aggretin caused a much-delayed tyrosine-phosphorylation of PI 3-kinase compared with collagen. LY294002, a PI 3-kinase inhibitor, showed a significant inhibitory effect on collagen, but not aggretin-stimulated platelet aggregation. These findings indicate aggretin induces platelet aggregation via binding of alpha(2)beta(1) and GPIb, causing phosphorylation of p125(FAK) and PLCgamma2 leading to platelet activation without the involvement of PI 3-kinase activation.     

A comparative study of the effect of ten non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) upon some mitochondrial and platelet functions

1. Ten different NSAIDs were used in a comparative study of their effects upon rat liver mitochondrial and human platelet functions. 2. The drugs behaved like uncouplers of mitochondrial respiration, decreased membrane potential, stimulated ATPase activity and had an ionophore-like effect upon calcium transport. 3. In vitro experiments showed the same effect with 45Ca as well as 22Na. 4. In platelets, aggregation was considerably reduced by most NSAIDs. 5. Addition of ADP (mitochondrial calcium uptake) or magnesium (platelet aggregation and in vitro cation transference) contributed to protect from those effects.     

Ligands "activate" integrin alpha IIb beta 3 (platelet GPIIb-IIIa)

Integrin alpha IIb beta 3 (platelet GPIIb-IIIa) binds fibrinogen via recognition sequences such as Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD). Fibrinogen binding requires agonist activation of platelets, whereas the binding of short synthetic RGD peptides does not. We now find that RGD peptide binding leads to changes in alpha IIb beta 3 that are associated with acquisition of high affinity fibrinogen-binding function (activation) and subsequent platelet aggregation. The structural specificities for peptide activation and for inhibition of ligand binding are similar, indicating that both are consequences of occupancy of the same site(s) on alpha IIb beta 3. Thus, the RGD sequence is a trigger of high affinity ligand binding to alpha IIb beta 3, and certain RGD-mimetics are partial agonists as well as competitive antagonists of integrin function.     

多肽LSARLAF 直接引发整合素活化及信号传导的研究

目的:研究LSA引起信号传递以及PLC 2诱导的血小板聚集和分泌的作用。方法:通过酶联免疫吸附配体-受体结合及血小板聚集和分泌实验,研究LSA诱导血小板活化的作用及参与的信号分子。结果:LSA引起了整合素Ⅱb 3上LIBS表位表达明显增加,PLC 2可能以一种酪氨酸活化依赖性的方式参与了这种信号传递。结论:LSA引起的信号传递是由β3介导的,并且LSA可引起不依赖于聚集的活化剂的分泌,而这些活化剂能引发聚集依赖性Ⅱb 3信号传递。     

Distinct roles for Rap1b protein in platelet secretion and integrin αIIbβ3 outside-in signaling

Rap1b is activated by platelet agonists and plays a critical role in integrin α(IIb)β(3) inside-out signaling and platelet aggregation. Here we show that agonist-induced Rap1b activation plays an important role in stimulating secretion of platelet granules. We also show that α(IIb)β(3) outside-in signaling can activate Rap1b, and integrin outside-in signaling-mediated Rap1b activation is important in facilitating platelet spreading on fibrinogen and clot retraction. Rap1b-deficient platelets had diminished ATP secretion and P-selectin expression induced by thrombin or collagen. Importantly, addition of low doses of ADP and/or fibrinogen restored aggregation of Rap1b-deficient platelets. Furthermore, we found that Rap1b was activated by platelet spreading on immobilized fibrinogen, a process that was not affected by P2Y(12) or TXA(2) receptor deficiency, but was inhibited by the selective Src inhibitor PP2, the PKC inhibitor Ro-31-8220, or the calcium chelator demethyl-1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid tetrakis. Clot retraction was abolished, and platelet spreading on fibrinogen was diminished in Rap1b-deficient platelets compared with wild-type controls. The defects in clot retraction and spreading on fibrinogen of Rap1b-deficient platelets were not rescued by addition of MnCl(2), which elicits α(IIb)β(3) outside-in signaling in the absence of inside-out signaling. Thus, our results reveal two different activation mechanisms of Rap1b as well as novel functions of Rap1b in platelet secretion and in integrin α(IIb)β(3) outside-in signaling.     

Calpain I activation is not correlated with aggregation in human platelets.

Calpain-catalysed hydrolysis of platelet substrates such as cytoskeletal and calmodulin-binding proteins, and of protein kinase C, is assumed to contribute to platelet aggregation. We have measured calpain I activation by immunoblotting, and [Ca2+]i (cytoplasmic Ca2+ concn.) by fura-2 fluorescence, in parallel with measurement of aggregation, in stirred human platelets treated at different [Ca2+]ext (extend Ca2+ concns.) with A23187, leupeptin, phorbol ester and thrombin. Hydrolysis of actin-binding protein, and [3H]5-hydroxytryptamine release, were also measured in some cases. A rise in [Ca2+]i, platelet aggregation and calpain activation often occurred together. With some combinations of agonists and [Ca2+]ext, however, this correlation was clearly not maintained. It was shown: (a) that activation of calpain and its hydrolysis of platelet substrates were not strictly necessary conditions for platelet secretion and aggregation; (b) conversely, that calpain activation could occur without aggregation.     

Inhibition of thrombocyte aggregation by antioxidants

The effects of antioxidants (3-hydroxypyridines, 5-hydroxypyrimidines, hindered phenols) on platelet aggregation were studied. All the compounds under study possessed low anti-aggregation activity against indometacin-sensitive aggregation (activation with arachidonic acid, 50 M). Half-maximal inhibition of aggregation was achieved at a concentration similar to that of the compounds used (10(-3) M in cases of indomethacin-insensitive aggregation, platelet activation by thrombine 1.5 mu/ml and Ca2+-ionophore A23187 1.5 g/ml). 4-methyl-2.6-ditretbutyl phenol (BHT) in the concentration range of 10(-5)-4 X 10(-5) M inhibited and in the concentration range of 4 X 10(-5)-10(-4) M activated indomethacin-sensitive aggregation. The latter effect was not observed in the absence of Ca2+ ions in the incubation medium. It is concluded that the effects of the antioxidants studied on platelet aggregation were due to their non-specific action on platelet membranes.     

Thrombopoietin complements G(i)- but not G(q)-dependent pathways for integrin {alpha}(IIb){beta}(3) activation and platelet aggregation

Binding of thrombopoietin (TPO) to the cMpl receptor on human platelets potentiates aggregation induced by a number of agonists, including ADP. In this work, we found that TPO was able to restore ADP-induced platelet aggregation upon blockade of the G(q)-coupled P2Y1 purinergic receptor but not upon inhibition of the G(i)-coupled P2Y12 receptor. Moreover, TPO triggered platelet aggregation upon co-stimulation of G(z) by epinephrine but not upon co-stimulation of G(q) by the thromboxane analogue U46619. Platelet aggregation induced by TPO and G(i) stimulation was biphasic, and cyclooxygenase inhibitors prevented the second but not the first phase. In contrast to ADP, TPO was unable to induce integrin alpha(IIb)beta(3) activation, as evaluated by binding of both fibrinogen and PAC-1 monoclonal antibody. However, ADP-induced activation of integrin alpha(IIb)beta(3) was blocked by antagonists of the G(q)-coupled P2Y1 receptor but was completely restored by the simultaneous co-stimulation of cMpl receptor by TPO. Inside-out activation of integrin alpha(IIb)beta(3) induced by TPO and G(i) stimulation occurred independently of thromboxane A(2) production and was not mediated by protein kinase C, MAP kinases, or Rho-dependent kinase. Importantly, TPO and G(i) activation of integrin alpha(IIb)beta(3) was suppressed by wortmannin and Ly294002, suggesting a critical regulation by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase. We found that TPO did not activate phospholipase C in human platelets and was unable to restore ADP-induced phospholipase C activation upon blockade of the G(q)-coupled P2Y1 receptor. TPO induced a rapid and sustained activation of the small GTPase Rap1B through a pathway dependent on phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase. In ADP-stimulated platelets, Rap1B activation was reduced, although not abolished, upon blockade of the P2Y1 receptor. However, accumulation of GTP-bound Rap1B in platelets activated by co-stimulation of cMpl and P2Y12 receptor was identical to that induced by the simultaneous ligation of P2Y1 and P2Y12 receptor by ADP. These results indicate that TPO can integrate G(i), but not G(q), stimulation and can efficiently support integrin alpha(IIb)beta(3) activation platelet aggregation by an alternative signaling pathway independent of phospholipase C but involving the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and the small GTPase Rap1B.     

Direct demonstration of involvement of the adaptor protein ShcA in the regulation of Ca2+-induced platelet aggregation

Platelet aggregation is mediated by conformational change of integrin alpha(IIb)beta(3). Tyrosine-phosphorylation of cytoplasmic domain of beta(3) upon platelet activation has been demonstrated to play a critical role in this process. Recently, the adaptor protein ShcA has been shown to bind to the tyrosine-phosphorylated beta(3), while it remains open whether ShcA plays any role in platelet aggregation. Here, we show that ShcA bound to tyrosine-phosphorylated beta(3)-tail peptide through its phosphotyrosine-binding domain in vitro. Then, we examined the involvement of ShcA in platelet aggregation by a previously established in vitro assay using platelets permeabilized with streptolysin-O, where exogenous addition of platelet cytosol is required for reconstitution of the Ca(2+)-induced aggregation. When ShcA was specifically depleted with anti-ShcA antibody from the cytosol, this ShcA-depleted cytosol lost the aggregation-supporting activity, which was rescued by addition of purified recombinant ShcA. Thus, ShcA is essential for the Ca(2+)-induced platelet aggregation.     

RhoA sustains integrin alpha IIbbeta 3 adhesion contacts under high shear

The small GTPase RhoA modulates the adhesive nature of many cell types; however, despite high levels of expression in platelets, there is currently limited evidence for an important role for this small GTPase in regulating platelet adhesion processes. In this study, we have examined the role of RhoA in regulating the adhesive function of the major platelet integrin, alpha(IIb)beta(3). Our studies demonstrate that activation of RhoA occurs as a general feature of platelet activation in response to soluble agonists (thrombin, ADP, collagen), immobilized matrices (von Willebrand factor (vWf), fibrinogen) and high shear stress. Blocking the ligand binding function of integrin alpha(IIb)beta(3), by pretreating platelets with c7E3 Fab, demonstrated the existence of integrin alpha(IIb)beta(3)-dependent and -independent mechanisms regulating RhoA activation. Inhibition of RhoA (C3 exoenzyme) or its downstream effector Rho kinase had no effect on integrin alpha(IIb)beta(3) activation induced by soluble agonists or adhesive substrates, however, both inhibitors reduced shear-dependent platelet adhesion on immobilized vWf and shear-induced platelet aggregation in suspension. Detailed analysis of the sequential adhesive steps required for stable platelet adhesion on a vWf matrix under shear conditions revealed that RhoA did not regulate platelet tethering to vWf or the initial formation of integrin alpha(IIb)beta(3) adhesion contacts but played a major role in sustaining stable platelet-matrix interactions. These studies define a critical role for RhoA in regulating the stability of integrin alpha(IIb)beta(3) adhesion contacts under conditions of high shear stress.     

Pertussis toxin can activate human platelets. Comparative effects of holotoxin and its ADP-ribosylating S1 subunit

The activation of phospholipase C in human platelets is coupled to agonist receptors via guanine nucleotide-binding protein(s), and prior treatment of permeabilized platelets with GTP gamma S, GDP beta S, or pertussis toxin modifies platelet responses to agonists. Pertussis toxin is thought to act primarily as an uncoupler of Gi from cell receptors due to its ADP-ribosylating activity. However, we have found that pertussis toxin by itself can act as an agonist for intact or permeabilized platelets. Though believed to lack receptors for pertussis toxin, intact platelets, when incubated with the toxin (5-20 micrograms/ml), undergo aggregation and accumulate inositol trisphosphate and phosphatidic acid. Treatment of platelets with aspirin, incubation in the presence of creatine phosphate/creatine phosphokinase, or omission of Ca2+ and fibrinogen do not affect toxin-mediated phospholipase C activation. These effects are not observed with the ADP-ribosylating S1 monomer of toxin in intact or permeabilized platelets. Further, modification of the holotoxin with N-ethylmaleimide eliminates the toxin's ADP-ribosylating activity but does not affect its promotion of platelet aggregation and phospholipase C activation. Therefore, the activating effect of holotoxin is separable from its ADP-ribosylating activity and does not depend either upon cyclooxygenase or the ADP that may be released during platelet activation. Given the combined potentially stimulatory and inhibitory effects of pertussis holotoxin, we suggest caution in interpretation of results with this material.     

A stimulatory role for cGMP-dependent protein kinase in platelet activation

It is currently accepted that cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) inhibits platelet activation. Here, we show that PKG plays an important stimulatory role in platelet activation. Expression of recombinant PKG in a reconstituted cell model enhanced von Willebrand factor (vWF)-induced activation of the platelet integrin alpha(IIb)beta(3). PKG knockout mice showed impaired platelet responses to vWF or low doses of thrombin and prolonged bleeding time. Human platelet aggregation induced by vWF or low-dose thrombin was inhibited by PKG inhibitors but enhanced by cGMP. Furthermore, a cGMP-enhancing agent, sildenafil, promoted vWF- or thrombin-induced platelet aggregation. The cGMP-stimulated platelet responses are biphasic, consisting of an initial transient stimulatory response that promotes platelet aggregation and a subsequent inhibitory response that limits the size of thrombi.