ABSTRACT
The opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) plays a critical role in platelet activation. However, the potential trigger of the MPTP opening in platelet activation remains unknown. Inflammation is the crucial trigger of platelet activation. In this study, we aimed to explore whether and how the important inflammatory cytokine IL-17 is associated with MPTP opening in platelets activation by using MPTP inhibitor cyclosporine-A (CsA). The mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) was detected to reflect MPTP opening levels. And the platelet aggregation, activation, and the primary signaling pathway were also tested. The results showed that the MPTP opening levels were increased and Δψm reduced in platelets administrated with IL-17. Moreover, the levels of aggregation, CD62P, PAC-1, P53 and the phosphorylation of ERK2 were enhanced along with the MPTP opening in platelets pre-stimulated with IL-17. However, CsA attenuated these effects triggered by IL-17. It was suggested that IL-17 could induce MPTP opening through ERK2 and P53 signaling pathway in platelet activation and aggregation.