Glycoproteins of platelet membranes from Glanzmann's thrombasthenia. A comparison with normal using carbohydrate-specific or protein-specific labelling techniques and high-resolution two-dimensional gel electrophoresis

Lectin-based carbohydrate profile of megakaryocytes in murine fetal liver during development

Hematopoiesis is the process by which blood cells are generated. During embryonic development, these cells migrate through different organs until they reach the bone marrow, their definitive place in adulthood. Around E10.5, the fetal liver starts budding from the gut, where first hematopoietic cells arrive and expand. Hematopoietic cell migration occurs through cytokine stimulation, receptor expression, and glycosylation patterns on the cell surface. In addition, carbohydrates can modulate different cell activation states. For this reason, we aimed to characterize and quantify fetal megakaryocytic cells in mouse fetal liver according to their glycan residues at different gestational ages through lectins. Mouse fetuses between E11.5 and E18.5 were formalin-fixed and, paraffin-embedded, for immunofluorescence analysis using confocal microscopy. The results showed that the following sugar residues were expressed in proliferating and differentiating megakaryocytes in the fetal liver at different gestational ages: α-mannose, α-glucose, galactose, GlcNAc, and two types of complex oligosaccharides. Megakaryocytes also showed three proliferation waves during liver development at E12.5, E14.5, and E18.5. Additionally, the lectins that exhibited high and specific pattern intensities at liver capsules and vessels were shown to be a less time-consuming and robust alternative alternative to conventional antibodies for displaying liver structures such as capsules and vessels, as well as for megakaryocyte differentiation in the fetal liver.

Profiling the Genetic and Molecular Characteristics of Glanzmann Thrombasthenia: Can It Guide Current and Future Therapies?

Glanzmann thrombasthenia (GT) is the most widely studied inherited disease of platelet function. Platelets fail to aggregate due to a defect in platelet-to-platelet attachment. The hemostatic plug fails to form and a moderate to severe bleeding diathesis results. Classically of autosomal recessive inheritance, GT is caused by defects within the ITGA2B and ITGB3 genes that encode the αIIbβ3 integrin expressed at high density on the platelet surface and also in intracellular pools. Activated αIIbβ3 acts as a receptor for fibrinogen and other adhesive proteins that hold platelets together in a thrombus. Over 50 years of careful clinical and biological investigation have provided important advances that have improved not only the quality of life of the patients but which have also contributed to an understanding of how αIIbβ3 functions. Despite major improvements in our knowledge of GT and its genetic causes, extensive biological and clinical variability with respect to the severity and intensity of bleeding remains poorly understood. I now scan the repertoire of ITGA2B and ITGB3 gene defects and highlight the wide genetic and biological heterogeneity within the type II and variant subgroups especially with regard to bleeding, clot retraction, the internal platelet Fg storage pool and the nature of the mutations causing the disease. I underline the continued importance of gene profiling and biological studies and emphasize the multifactorial etiology of the clinical expression of the disease. This is done in a manner to provide guidelines for future studies and future treatments of a disease that has not only aided research on rare diseases but also contributed to advances in antithrombotic therapy.

Demonstration of feline and canine platelet glycoproteins by immuno- and lectin histochemistry

Canine and feline platelet cytocentrifuge preparations (CCPs), cryostat and paraffin-embedded bone marrow sections were used in this study. We evaluated whether platelets, megakaryocytes and megakaryocyte precursor cells could be labelled by monoclonal antibodies (Y2/51, CLB-thromb/1, HPL1) against human platelet membrane glycoprotein GP IIIa and the GP IIb/IIIa complex or by the following 10 biotinylated lectins: concanavalin A (Con A), Lens culinaris agglutinin (LCA), Pisum sativum agglutinin (PsA), wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), peanut agglutinin (PNA), Phaseolus vulgaris lectin (PHA-L), Ricinus communis agglutinin 120 (RCA120), Ulex europaeus agglutinin-I(UEA-1), soybean agglutinin (SBA) and Dolichos biflorus agglutinin (DBA). Monoclonal antibodies Y2/51 and HPL1 cross reacted with platelets and megakaryocytic cells from both species, whereas CLB-thromb/1 was unreactive with canine preparations. Only Y2/51 labelled megakaryocytic cells in paraffin-embedded samples. LCA, PSA, WGA and PHA-L labelled feline and canine platelets and different numbers of morphologically identifiable megakaryocytes and numerous other, mostly myeloid, cells. Immunoblots of dog and cat platelet lysates using Y2/51 visualized a single protein of 95 kDa (unreduced), a mol.wt value within the range of those reported for GP IIIa. Some of the platelet (but not necessarily megakaryocyte) glycoproteins reacting with LCA, PSA and WGA could be identified in lectin blots following one- or two (nonreduced/reduced)-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Thus in dogs and cats, the immunohistochemical detection of GP IIIa (and eventually GP IIb/IIIa) rather than lectin binding patterns could be important for the diagnosis of megakaryoblastic leukaemias.

Acute megakaryoblastic leukemia in one cat and two dogs

The clinical, hematologic, and histologic features of acute megakaryoblastic leukemia are described for an 8-year-old female Domestic Shorthair cat, a 3-year-old female mixed-breed dog, and a 3-year-old male German Shepherd Dog. The neoplastic cells were characterized as belonging to the megakaryocytic lineage. The following techniques were used: electron microscopy; detection of antibodies against human von Willebrand factor (vWF) and human platelet glycoprotein GP IIIa using a modified avidin biotin peroxidase complex technique on formalin-fixed paraffin sections; and enzyme histochemical methods on plastic sections for alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, myeloperoxidase, alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase, alpha-naphthyl butyrate esterase, naphthol AS acetate esterase, and naphthol AS-D chloroacetate esterase. In addition, benign megakaryocytic cells, platelets, and neoplastic cells were labeled with lectins that have partially been shown to bind to platelet glycoproteins of other species. In healthy cats and dogs, the megakaryocytes and platelets reacted with lectins PSA, LCA, PHA-L, and WGA. Megakaryocytes and platelets from healthy cats were also labeled by lectin PNA. The lectins PHA-L and WGA reacted with neoplastic cells from the cat and both dogs. Lectin PNA bound to neoplastic cells from the cat, and lectins PSA, LCA, and SBA bound to neoplastic cells from both dogs. For the retrospective examination of paraffin-embedded material, the detection of vWF and GP IIIa appears to be the most reliable method for the identification of megakaryocytic cells.

Separation of important new platelet glycoproteins (GPIa, GPIc, GPIc*, GPIIa and GMP-140) by f.p.l.c. Characterization by monoclonal antibodies and gas-phase sequencing

A large number of membrane glycoproteins (around 40) are present on the surface of human blood platelets. Some of these glycoproteins are expressed in relatively small amounts, and their functions, as well as their structure, remain to be elucidated. The aim of the present study was to separate rapidly, under non-denaturing conditions, and characterize minor glycoproteins such as Very Late Antigens (VLA) (GPIa, GPIc, GPIc* and GPIIa) and GMP-140 (also known as PADGEM). VLAs and GMP-140 are respectively members of the integrin and selectin families. Platelet membrane glycoproteins were separated by wheat-germ agglutinin lectin affinity and Mono Q anion-exchange f.p.l.c. Peaks bearing isolated glycoproteins were electrophoresed on one- or two-dimensional SDS/polyacrylamide gels, Western blotted on to Immobilon poly(vinylidene difluoride) membranes and gas-phase-sequenced. The identity of isolated glycoproteins was also obtained by the use of monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies and tryptic peptide maps. Five minor [GPIa, GPIc, GPIc*, GPIIa and GMP 140 (PADGEM)], as well as a major (GPIIIb) glycoprotein, were eluted at low salt concentrations. GPIIb-IIIa and GPIb were eluted at high salt concentrations. The N-terminal sequence of platelet GPIa was identical with that obtained by Takada & Hemler [(1989) J. Cell Biol. 109, 397-407]. However, the N-terminal sequence of platelet GPIc + Ic* and GPIIa were found to differ from those deduced from cDNA sequences isolated from human placenta or umbilical-vein endothelial-cell cDNA libraries. The combined use of f.p.l.c. and gas-phase sequencing techniques provides a very powerful tool to separate and characterize rapidly platelet or other cellular proteins for structural, immunological and functional studies.

Glycoprotein IV mediates thrombospondin-dependent platelet-monocyte and platelet-U937 cell adhesion

An adhesive interaction between activated platelets and mononuclear phagocytes may contribute to the role these cells play in regulating inflammation, thrombosis, and atherosclerosis. We have previously shown that this adhesive interaction is mediated by the expression of the glycoprotein thrombospondin (TSP) on the surface of activated platelets. We now show that TSP-dependent platelet-monocyte interactions are mediated by glycoprotein IV (GPIV), an intrinsic membrane protein recently identified as a cell surface TSP receptor. Monoclonal antibodies to GPIV bound to cells of the human monocytoid line U937 as assessed by flow cytometry and inhibited the binding of 125I-TSP to the cell surface by 83%. U937 cells preincubated with anti-GPIV were not rosetted by thrombin-stimulated platelets (72% inhibition compared with control anti-monocyte antibodies). In addition, when platelets were stimulated in the presence of saturating concentrations of monoclonal antibodies to GPIV, only 18% of U937 cells were rosetted (78% inhibition). Control antibodies including anti-GPIb did not inhibit rosette formation. These data suggest that TSP can cross-link platelets and monocytes via an interaction with GPIV on the surface of both cells. This molecular bridge may mediate platelet-macrophage communication in various pathophysiologic settings.

Platelet glycoproteins Ia, Ic, and IIa are physicochemically indistinguishable from the very late activation antigens adhesion-related proteins of lymphocytes and other cell types

The very late activation antigens (VLA) are a subset of the superfamily of cell surface glycoproteins that serve as receptors from extracellular matrix proteins. One or more of the VLA heterodimers are present on T lymphocytes and most other cell types, including platelets. We have used VLA-specific monoclonal antibodies to isolate the reactive platelet membrane molecules. We have identified them as previously characterized platelet surface glycoproteins and have compared them with VLA molecules isolated from lymphocytes and other cells. Utilizing one-dimensional SDS-PAGE, two-dimensional O'Farrell gel electrophoresis, and nonreduced-reduced two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, we show that reduced VLA molecules of platelets are composed of three chains of molecular weights 165,000, 145,000, and 140,000 that possess the physicochemical properties of platelet glycoproteins GPIa, GPIc alpha, and GPIIa. GPIa corresponds to the VLA 165,000 alpha 2-chain, GPIIa corresponds to a 145,000 Mr VLA beta-chain, and GPIc alpha corresponds to a 140,000 Mr VLA alpha-chain. The polypeptide structure of VLA molecules on platelets and lymphocytes are very similar or identical. Platelet proteins GPIa and GPIIa exist as a mixed heterodimer in detergent lysates and correspond with the VLA-2 heterodimer found on activated T lymphocytes and other cell types. The platelet glycoproteins GPIIa and GPIc form a second mixed heterodimer. The mAb A-1A5, which binds to the VLA beta chain, binds to platelet GPIIa and precipitates both the GPIIa-GPIa and GPIIa-GPIc heterodimers, and binds to 4,926 +/- 740 sites per platelet. A VLA-2-specific mAb, 12F1, which binds to the VLA alpha 2-chain reacts with GPIa and immunoprecipitates only the GPIIa-GPIa heterodimer, and binds to 1,842 +/- 449 sites per platelet. The similarity of VLA chains and platelet GPIIa, GPIa, and GPIc molecules suggests that these molecules may have similar functions on various cell types.

Characterization of an anti-thrombospondin monoclonal antibody (P8) that inhibits human blood platelet functions. Normal binding of P8 to thrombin-activated Glanzmann thrombasthenic platelets

Stimulated human blood platelets release thrombospondin, an alpha-granule glycoprotein of 450 kDa. The aim of this work was to characterize an anti-thrombospondin monoclonal antibody (P8) in order to study the role of thrombospondin in platelet functions. The presence of thrombospondin receptor sites on resting and thrombin-stimulated platelets of three Glanzmann's thrombasthenia patients and normal donors was investigated using the P8 monoclonal antibody. Monoclonal antibody P8 was extensively characterized using ELISA, immunoprecipitation, immunoadsorbent affinity chromatography combined with tryptic peptide map analysis and crossed immunoelectrophoretic techniques. Labelled P8 bound strongly to thrombin-stimulated normal platelets (n = 14917 +/- 420, mean +/- SD) (Kd = 9.2 +/- 3.0 nM) and poorly to resting platelets (n = 2697 +/- 1278) (Kd = 24.8 +/- 18.6 nM). Moreover, the number of binding sites for P8 on thrombin-stimulated platelets from three Glanzmann's thrombasthenia patients, lacking the IIb-IIIa glycoprotein complex, were found similar to normal samples. F(ab')2 fragments of P8 inhibited aggregation of, and reduced secretion from, washed platelets stimulated by low concentrations of thrombin (0.05-0.06 U/ml) and collagen (0.5-0.6 microgram/ml). F(ab')2 fragments of P8 inhibited thrombin-induced platelet aggregation, but did not reduce fibrinogen binding (n) nor affect its dissociation constant (Kd). Inhibition of platelet aggregation by P8 suggests that thrombospondin plays an active role in promoting platelet aggregation, at low concentrations of thrombin and collagen. Normal binding of P8 to thrombin-stimulated Glanzmann thrombasthenic platelets indicates the presence of a thrombospondin receptor on the platelet surface distinct from the GPIIb-IIIa complex.

Drosophila position-specific antigens resemble the vertebrate fibronectin-receptor family

The Drosophila position-specific (PS) antigens are a family of cell surface glycoprotein complexes thought to be involved in morphogenesis. Their overall structures and biochemical properties are similar to those of a group of vertebrate receptors, including those for fibronectin, fibrinogen and vitronectin, and also the leukocyte antigens Mac-1, LFA-1 and p150,95 and the VLA family of cell surface antigens. The N-terminal sequences of the alpha subunits of some of these molecules are homologous to the N-terminus of a PS antigen component. The Drosophila PS antigens thus appear to be homologous to these vertebrate receptors.

Molecular characterization of human platelet glycoproteins IIIa and IIb and the subunits of the latter

Sedimentation equilibrium and low-angle laser-light scattering were used to determine the molar mass of the glycoprotein moieties in the complexes of sodium dodecyl sulphate with the human platelet membrane glycoproteins IIb (GPIIb), IIIa (GPIIIa), and the alpha (GPIIb alpha) and beta (GPIIb beta) subunits of GPIIb. The values obtained by both procedures, except those for GPIIb, agree within experimental error with those calculated from their chemical composition: GPIIb alpha (114,000 g mol-1), GPIIb beta (22,200 g mol-1), and GPIIIa (91,500 g mol-1). The molar mass of GPIIb determined by light scattering (142,000 g mol-1 and sedimentation equilibrium at different solvent densities (134,000 g mol-1) also agree, within experimental error, with the values calculated either from its chemical composition (136,500 g mol-1) or from the sum of the molar masses of its subunits. However the molar mass determined by sedimentation equilibrium at constant solvent density, is consistently underestimated (116,000 g mol-1). High-performance size-exclusion chromatography in sodium dodecyl sulphate solutions overestimates the molar mass of these glycoproteins and their Stokes radii, and therefore the maximal frictional ratios derived from them.

New isolation procedure and further biochemical characterization of glycoproteins IIb and IIIa from human platelet plasma membrane

We describe a new procedure for isolation of glycoproteins IIb (GPIIb) and IIIa (GPIIIa) from human platelet plasma membrane with high yields (2.7 mg of GPIIb and 3.3 mg of GPIIIa per 100 mg of starting platelet membrane proteins), equivalent to a recovery of 35% and 55% respectively of the total GPIIb and GPIIIa of the membrane. The procedure involves Triton X-100 differential extraction of platelet membranes, SDS solubilization of the 4%-Triton X-100 supernatant, zonal centrifugation in a sucrose density gradient, and preparative high-performance size-exclusion chromatography. The weight percentage of sugar is 15.7% for GPIIb and 12.5% for GPIIIa. Neuraminic acid is present in both glycoproteins, representing 30% and 15% respectively of the total sugar weight of GPIIb and GPIIIa. Mannose, galactose and glucosamine account for 45%, 13% and 28% respectively of the sugars of GPIIIa, whereas galactosamine was not detected. Mannose, galactose, glucosamine and galactosamine represent 17%, 21%, 24% and 10% respectively of the sugar content of GPIIb. The molar percentages of half-cystine and methionine are 4-fold and 2-fold higher respectively in GPIIIa than in GPIIb. From the amino acid and sugar compositions we confirmed the acidic nature of both glycoproteins. The Mr values obtained, 136,500 for GPIIb and 91,500 for GPIIIa, are in very good agreement with those obtained by physical methods. The apparent lack of free thiol groups in both glycoproteins indicates that the tertiary structure of GPIIIa is maintained by 21 intrachain disulphide bonds, and that there are eight intrachain and interchain disulphide groups in GPIIb.

Isolation and biochemical characterization of the alpha- and beta-subunits of glycoprotein IIb of human platelet plasma membrane

The alpha- and beta-subunits of glycoprotein IIb (GPIIb) of human platelet plasma membrane were isolated in fully reduced, partially reduced and alkylated, and fully alkylated forms, by size-exclusion chromatography after reduction of pure GPIIb. The sugar moiety of GPIIb alpha accounts for 16.4% of its total weight, whereas that of GPIIb beta accounts for only 10.2%. The molar percentages (per 100 mol of total amino acids) of neuraminic acid and galactose in the alpha-subunit more than double those in the beta-subunit, whereas galactosamine is present only in GPIIb alpha. From the amino acid and sugar compositions the acidic nature of both subunits was confirmed. The Mr values obtained, 114,000 for GPIIb alpha and 22,200 for GPIIb beta, are in very good agreement with those obtained by physical methods. We found by stepwise reduction of pure GPIIb with dithioerythritol that GPIIb alpha and GPIIb beta are joined by a single interchain disulphide bridge, while the remaining half-cystine residues participate in intrachain bonds, six in GPIIb alpha and one in GPIIb beta, the intersubunit disulphide bond being that reduced first. Neither of the two subunits is liberated from isolated plasma membranes when this GPIIb interchain bond is reduced in isolated membranes.

Binding of fibrinogen to human monocytes

The interaction of fibrinogen with monocytes was studied. After stimulation with ADP (10 microM) or thrombin (1 U/ml), platelet-free suspensions of human monocytes bind 125I-fibrinogen with two different affinities in a specific and Ca2+-dependent reaction with saturation at 5.80-7.35 X 10(-7) M of added protein. The binding of fibrinogen to specific receptors on monocytes induces the procoagulant activity of these cells. Thrombasthenic cells or normal monocytes preincubated with a monoclonal antibody to the platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa complex (10E5) do not bind fibrinogen and have no procoagulant activity. Metabolic studies with [35S]methionine revealed that cultured monocytes actually synthesize a surface antigen precipitated by 10E5 antibody as a major band with 92,000 relative molecular weight. Our data indicate that monocytes express receptors for fibrinogen only in part related to the platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa complex. Furthermore, the binding of fibrinogen to monocytes enhances the cooperation of these cells in hemostasis.

Tandem separation of labelled human blood platelet membrane glycoproteins by anion-exchange and gel fast protein liquid chromatography

Studies were made of the separation of surface-labelled platelet glycoproteins, solubilized in a non-ionic detergent (Berol 185), on a Mono Q anion-exchange column, coupled to a Superose 12 gel fast protein liquid chromatographic column. Peaks eluted from the anion-exchange and gel columns were subjected to electrophoresis on sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gels in the presence (non-reducing conditions) or absence (reducing conditions) of disulphide bridges. Labelled electrophoresed glycoprotein bands were rendered visible by fluorography or indirect autoradiography. Platelet membrane glycoproteins Ib, IIb, IIIa, IIIb, V and IX were identified by their apparent molecular weights and their surface labelling characteristics. It was concluded that tandem chromatography can be used to separate platelet membrane proteins and glycoproteins rapidly and with good resolution.

Identification and characterization of fragments of major glycoproteins from platelet membrane after chymotrypsin treatment

Human platelets were surface-labeled by the periodate/NaB3H4 method or by lactoperoxidase-catalysed iodination with 125I. The labeled platelets were treated with chymotrypsin under conditions known to give platelets which aggregate with fibrinogen without stimulation with ADP. Platelets and supernatant were then analysed by various gel electrophoretic techniques including isoelectric focusing/sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under reducing or non-reducing conditions and two-dimensional non-reduced/reduced sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed by fluorography or indirect autoradiography. Chymotrypsin-treatment of surface-labeled platelets degraded the major glycoproteins Ib, IIb and IIIa but also GP120(4.9-5.4), GPIc and GPV. The membrane-bound fragments of GPIb, IIb and IIIa could be identified and also the supernatant fragments of GPIb and GPV. GPIIIa was also cleaved within a loop structure formed by disulfide bond(s). The fact that remnants of both GPIIb and IIIa are left on chymotrypsin-treated platelets which aggregate spontaneously with fibrinogen may indicate that a complex formed by these remnants constitutes the fibrinogen-binding site on platelets.

Functionally thrombasthenic state in normal platelets following the administration of ticlopidine

To elucidate the bleeding tendency that follows the administration of ticlopidine, we investigated the skin bleeding time and some ex vivo functions of platelets obtained from eight healthy volunteers before and 1 wk after daily administration of 500 mg of ticlopidine. We found the following: ticlopidine significantly (P less than 0.001) prolonged the skin bleeding time and impaired the binding of radiolabeled fibrinogen and von Willebrand Factor, the clot retraction and the aggregation of platelets in response to ADP, epinephrine, thrombin, ionophore A23187, collagen, or arachidonic acid. In contrast, the administration of this drug did not affect intraplatelet levels of cAMP, agglutination and binding of von Willebrand Factor in response to ristocetin, shape change in response to ADP, collagen, thrombin, or arachidonic acid, or binding of prostaglandin E1 to resting platelets. Secretion of ATP in response to ADP or epinephrine was completely inhibited, whereas secretion as well as thromboxane synthesis in response to high concentrations of collagen, arachidonic acid, calcium ionophore A23187, or thrombin was unaffected. Studies with monoclonal antibodies showed that the glycoprotein IIb-IIIa complex (the putative receptor for fibrinogen and von Willebrand Factor on the surface of platelets exposed to naturally occurring aggregating agents) was quantitatively unaffected by ticlopidine. This observation was further confirmed by densitometric scannings of Periodic Acid-Schiff-stained gels of platelet suspensions. The onset, as well as the cessation of the inhibitory effect of ticlopidine on platelets was very slow, and reached a maximum after a 3-5-d administration. In addition, ticlopidine appeared to be a much more potent inhibitor when administered to subjects than when added in vitro to platelets. Finally, abnormalities comparable to those found in volunteers taking ticlopidine were observed when platelets from untreated subjects were incubated in the plasma of ticlopidine-treated subjects. We conclude that ticlopidine induces a thrombasthenic state in normal platelets without affecting the glycoprotein IIb-IIIa complex quantitatively. Furthermore, our data suggest that one or more active metabolites rather than the native drug mediate the abnormalities of platelet function observed in ticlopidine-treated subjects.

Distribution of platelet glycoproteins and phosphoproteins in hydrophobic and hydrophilic phases in Triton X-114 phase partition

Platelets, either unlabelled, surface-labelled by the periodate NaB3H4 method or metabolically labelled with 32P were solubilized in Triton X-114 and partitioned into aqueous and detergent phases. The phases were analysed by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed by silver-staining, fluorography or indirect autoradiography. Each of the phases contains a distinct set of proteins. The surface-labelled glycoproteins partition into the hydrophobic phase with the notable exceptions of glycoproteins Ib and GP17(5.8-6.5) and minor amounts of a few others. The phosphoproteins which undergo increased phosphorylation on platelet activation in general separate in the hydrophobic phase, while higher molecular weight phosphoproteins were principally in the hydrophilic phase. This method might be used as a first step in purifying many platelet components.

Molecular defects in interactions of platelets with the vessel wall

The objectives of this review have been to summarize the recent research on inherited defects involving abnormal platelet function and to illustrate how studies of hemorrhagic syndromes have led to an increased understanding of the molecular events involved in platelet adhesion and aggregation. Emphasis has been placed on the two primary hemostatic reactions: the interaction of platelets with von Willebrand factor to promote adhesion to the subendothelium, and the interaction of platelets with fibrinogen to promote platelet aggregation. Even as these events are more clearly defined, new concepts of molecular structure, function, and heterogeneity are emerging, and the variety of recognized genetic defects is becoming more complex.

Two-dimensional polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis of the proteins and glycoproteins of purified human platelet surface and intracellular membranes

By using highly purified surface and intracellular membrane fractions prepared from human platelets by free-flow electrophoresis, the polypeptide and glycopeptides of these membranes have been characterized by high-resolution gel electrophoresis under reducing and non-reducing conditions. Silver staining and a variety of glycoprotein-staining procedures have been applied to identify the major components. The principal finding was the clear disparity between the distribution patterns for these two membrane fractions. There are proportionately more low-Mr acidic components present in the intracellular membrane than in the surface-derived membrane. Of the major platelet surface glycoproteins GPIb, IIb, IIIa and IIIb (or IV) well expressed in the surface membrane only, GPIIb and IIIa appear as trace components in the intracellular membrane. The cytoskeleton proteins, actin, myosin, tropomyosin, actin-binding protein and alpha-actinin are prominent features of the surface membrane and essentially absent from the intracellular membrane. Neuraminidase treatment at the whole-cell level, before homogenization, which is an essential requirement for good resolution of the two membrane subfractions, modifies a number of the glycoprotein subunits with respect to their pI characteristics, suggesting much molecular micro-heterogeneity with respect to sialic acid content. A comparison of the staining characteristics of the major glycoproteins with periodic acid/Schiff's reagent and concanavalin A/peroxidase detection and a combined procedure revealed significant differences in associated carbohydrate structures, and the major concanavalin A-binding component was shown to be GPIIIa. These observations are discussed in the context of functional activities of both membrane systems in the physiological behaviour of the platelet.

A monoclonal antibody binding to human medulloblastoma cells and to the platelet glycoprotein IIB-IIIA complex

A monoclonal antibody, designated M148, produced by the hybridoma technique from spleen cells of mice immunized with human medulloblastoma, was found by indirect immunofluorescence to bind to normal human platelets (both PlA1 positive and PlA1 negative) and megakaryocytes, as well as to some medulloblastoma and neuroblastoma cells and cell lines and certain other solid tumours. No binding was observed to other marrow constituents, nor to any other normal tissue examined. The antibody bound to platelets from a patient with the Bernard-Soulier syndrome but not to thrombasthenic platelets. It immunoprecipitated glycoproteins IIb and IIIa from 125I-labelled normal platelet membranes, and completely inhibited ADP-induced fibrinogen binding and aggregation of platelets. Aggregation was also inhibited in response to adrenaline, collagen, thrombin, sodium arachidonate and the ionophore A23187; clot retraction was partially inhibited. The antibody was without effect on thromboxane formation or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5HT) secretion in response to thrombin, but inhibited 5HT secretion in response to arachidonate. It did not inhibit factor VIII binding or agglutination in response to ristocetin, but completely inhibited factor VIII binding in response to thrombin. These findings suggest that the epitopes are close to the fibrinogen and factor VIII binding sites on glycoproteins IIb/IIIa, and that the lack of these glycoproteins is sufficient explanation for the pattern of dysfunction observed in thrombasthenic platelets, without invoking any other membrane abnormality.

Identification and function of the high affinity binding sites for Ca2+ on the surface of platelets

Extracellular Ca2+ is required for platelet aggregation and secretion in response to ADP or epinephrine. Recently, we reported that the platelet surface contains two classes of high affinity binding sites for extracellular Ca2+. To identify these sites and clarify their role in platelet function, we have now (a) studied platelets congenitally deficient in surface membrane glycoproteins and (b) examined the effect of removing surface-bound Ca2+ on platelet responses to ADP and epinephrine. Unstimulated normal platelets contained 86,000 Ca2+-binding sites/platelet with a dissociation constant (Kd) of 9 nM and 389,000 sites with a Kd of 400 nM. In contrast, thrombasthenic platelets, which lack glycoproteins IIb and IIIa, exhibited a 92% reduction in the number of higher affinity Ca2+-binding sites and a 63% reduction in the number of lower affinity sites. Bernard-Soulier platelets, which lack glycoprotein Ib, were not deficient in Ca2+-binding sites. After stimulation with ADP, both normal and thrombasthenic platelets developed approximately 138,000 new Ca2+-binding sites/platelet (Kd = 400 nM), while the larger Bernard-Soulier platelets developed 216,000 new sites. These data suggest that IIb and IIIa represent the major Ca2+-binding glycoproteins on unstimulated platelets, while neither these glycoproteins nor Ib represent the new Ca2+-binding sites on stimulated platelets. Removal of Ca2+ from the platelet surface inhibited platelet function. Despite the presence of 1 mM Mg2+, ADP- and epinephrine-induced aggregation and [14C]serotonin release were markedly decreased at free Ca2+ concentrations less than 7 nM, a value similar to the Kd of the higher affinity Ca2+-binding sites. Moreover, gadolinium, a lanthanide that competed for these Ca2+-binding sites, also inhibited aggregation and serotonin release. These studies demonstrate, therefore, that the binding of extracellular Ca2+ to glycoproteins IIb/IIIa on unstimulated platelets or to additional membrane proteins on stimulated platelets is necessary for maximal platelet responses to ADP and epinephrine. Thus, the requirement for extracellular Ca2+ during platelet activation by these agonists may actually represent a requirement for surface-bound Ca2+.

Platelet surface antigens: analysis by monoclonal antibodies. I. Antibodies. I. Immunological and biochemical studies

Monoclonal antibodies were produced against human platelets. Four antibodies (PA1, PA2, PA3 and PA4) reacted specifically with platelets and megakaryocytes, but not with peripheral blood lymphocytes, granulocytes, erythrocytes or monocytes. The antibodies belonged to the mouse IgG subclass 2a (PA1, PA2, PA3), or 1 (PA4) respectively. PA1 and PA4 did not precipitate, their antigens have not yet fully been characterized. PA3 was directed against the glycoprotein (Gp) complex IIb/IIIa; PA2 precipitated Gp IIb/IIIa, and, in addition, Gp Ia. PA4 revealed specificity against the human platelet alloantigen Zw(a).

The calcium-dependent neutral protease of human blood platelets: a comparison of its effects on the receptors for von Willebrand factor and for the Fc-fragment derived from IgG

Glycocalicin (Gc) is the large, water soluble fragment, obtained by cleavage of one of the major membrane glycoproteins, GP Ib, of human platelets by means of the endogenous, calcium-dependent neutral protease (CNP) obtained from lysed platelets. GP Ib has been proposed as the receptor for von Willebrand factor (vWF) as well as for the Fc-receptor of the platelet surface. We have investigated, whether Gc was involved in a receptor function for aggregated human IgG, which is a powerful activator of platelets. Neither Gc nor asialo-Gc inhibited the stimulation of human blood platelets by bisdiazoniumbenzidine-aggregated human IgG (BDB-IgG). Moreover, platelets, after treatment with a crude preparation of CNP, which removes Gc, could be stimulated by BDB-IgG as well as or better than control platelets, but were unreactive with bovine vWF. We conclude that the Gc-moiety of GP Ib, which is involved in the bovine vWF binding site, is not the Fc-receptor on platelets. Thus, the inhibition, by human or rabbit IgG aggregates or monomeric rabbit IgG, of vWF-induced platelet agglutination, as reported by other authors, is either due to a steric effect resulting from a vicinal position of both receptors or involves the residual part of GP Ib after cleavage of Gc.

A murine monoclonal antibody that completely blocks the binding of fibrinogen to platelets produces a thrombasthenic-like state in normal platelets and binds to glycoproteins IIb and/or IIIa

To define better the role of the fibrinogen receptor in platelet physiology and to characterize it biochemically, a murine monoclonal antibody that completely blocks the binding of fibrinogen to the platelet surface was produced by the hybridoma technique with the aid of a functional screening assay. Purified F(ab')2 fragments and/or intact antibody completely blocked aggregation induced by ADP, thrombin, or epinephrine and the binding of radiolabeled fibrinogen to platelets induced by ADP. The antibody did not block agglutination of formaldehyde-fixed platelets by ristocetin or shape change induced by either ADP or thrombin. ADP- and epinephrine-induced release of ATP was completely inhibited by the antibody, but inhibition of release induced by collagen and thrombin was dose dependent and partial. The antibody also dramatically inhibited platelet retention in glass-bead columns, platelet adhesion to glass, and clot retraction. Thus, the antibody induced a thrombasthenic-like state. Immunofluorescent studies confirmed the specificity of the antibody for normal platelets and megakaryocytes and suggested that there is a marked decrease in detectable antigen in thrombasthenic platelets. Radiolabeled antibody bound to an average of approximately 40,000 sites on normal platelets but it bound to less than 2,000 sites on the platelets of a patient with thrombasthenia. The antibody immunoprecipitated both glycoproteins IIb and IIIa, and both glycoproteins bound to an affinity column of the antibody. These studies indicate that there is probably a single anatomic site that is crucial to the binding of all fibrinogen molecules and that this site is most likely on the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa complex. It also suggests that the thrombasthenic phenotype can be completely accounted for on the basis of the inhibition of fibrinogen binding to platelets.

Membrane proteins on human megakaryocytes and platelets identified by monoclonal antibodies

We describe five monoclonal antibodies that react with four discrete antigens present on human platelets. Antibodies B2.12 and B59.2 precipitate the glycoprotein IIb-IIIa complex from radiolabeled platelet membrane extracts and inhibit platelet aggregation induced by adenosine diphosphate (ADP), collagen, or epinephrine. The antigen recognized by the two antibodies is present on megakaryocytes but either absent entirely or expressed in small amounts on platelets from Glanzmann's thrombasthenic patients. The antigen recognized by antibody B37.3 is absent from thrombasthenic platelets. Antibody B1.12 reacts with an antigen shared by platelets and 20% of peripheral blood lymphocytes and is a potent inducer of platelet aggregation. Antibody B2.10 reacts specifically with platelets and megakaryocytes but does not affect platelet functions. Thus, these reagents are useful tools in diagnostic and functional studies of both normal and abnormal platelets.

Monoclonal antibodies against platelet membrane glycoproteins. Characterization and effect on platelet function

The specificity of five monoclonal antibodies (P1-P6) against platelet surface components was determined by immunoprecipitation of surface-labelled platelets from normal donors and patients with known platelet glycoprotein defects, followed by analysis by gel electrophoresis. Three (P2, P4 and P6) precipitated glycoproteins IIb and IIIa and, in addition, P2 precipitated glycoprotein Ia. P1 precipitated normally only glycoprotein Ib also Ia when the platelets were pretreated with neuraminidase. P3 precipitated principally glycoprotein Ia but glycoprotein Ib was also weakly precipitated. The effects of the monoclonals on platelet function were tested. P1 and P2 completely inhibited and P3 slightly inhibited thrombin-induced platelet aggregation. P2 also inhibited collagen-induced aggregation and partially inhibited ADP-induced platelet aggregation. P3, P4 and P6 partially inhibited ADP-induced platelet aggregation. None had any effect on ristocetin-induced aggregation despite P1 and P3 binding to glycoprotein Ib. These results confirm the role of glycoproteins IIb and IIIa in aggregation induced by various agents and suggest that the function of glycoprotein Ib in thrombin-induced aggregation is more important than previously suspected and that glycoprotein Ia may also be involved in platelet functions.

Reduced surface expression and binding of fibronectin by thrombin-stimulated thrombasthenic platelets

Thrombin stimulation results in increased surface expression of endogeneous fibronectin and binding of plasma fibronectin to human platelets. Platelets of patients with Glanzmann's thrombasthenia, a bleeding disorder, exhibit reduced thrombin-induced platelet aggregation, little or no clot retraction, and abnormal platelet spreading on glass surfaces. Thrombin stimulation of patient platelets from four thrombasthenic kindreds resulted in little fibronectin binding. Nevertheless, thrombin did induce serotonin secretion from these cells, indicating that stimulation was occurring. Thrombasthenic platelets did not inhibit thrombin-stimulated fibronectin binding to coincubated normal cells, suggesting that their defect was not due to the presence of a soluble inhibitor of fibronectin binding. Thrombin-stimulated afibrinogenemic platelets bound similar quantities of fibronectin to normal cells, indicating that the thrombasthenic deficit is not secondary to reduced fibrinogen content or binding. The thrombasthenic cells had an endogenous fibronectin content of 2.9 +/- 0.7 micrograms/10(9) platelets, whereas cells simultaneously prepared from five normal individuals contained 1.8 +/- 0.7 micrograms/10(9) platelets, a statistically insignificant difference. Nevertheless, thrombin stimulation did not increase expression of endogeneous fibronectin antigen on the surface of the thrombasthenic platelets as judged by immunofluorescence. These defects in platelet fibronectin binding and surface expression may account for some of the manifestations of Glanzmann's thrombasthenia.

Proteins and glycoproteins of monkey and human platelets. Comparison by high resolution two-dimensional gel electrophoresis

1. The protein and glycoprotein composition of the blood platelets of six primate species have been compared by high resolution two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. 2. Only minor differences have been observed in the protein patterns of all six species. 3. The glycopeptide patterns of the monkey platelets five species) were rather uniform, but clearly different from the human pattern.