The critical role of myosin IIA in platelet internal contraction.

BACKGROUND: Shape change and centralization of granules surrounded by a microtubular coil (internal contraction) are among the earliest morphologic changes observed following platelet activation. Myosin IIA contributes to initiation of platelet shape change, but its role in internal contraction has not been defined. OBJECTIVE: To define the contribution of myosin IIA to platelet internal contraction. METHODS: Aspirin-treated platelets suspended in calcium-free buffer were activated with a low concentration (25 nm) of the thromboxane A(2) analog U46619 which initiated shape change and internal contraction via a Rho kinase pathway. Shape change and internal contraction were assessed by aggregometry and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Rho activation and myosin regulatory light chain (MRLC) phosphorylation were studied concurrently. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Low-concentration blebbistatin (10 microm) inhibited internal contraction in the majority of platelets with minimal inhibition of shape change without significant suppression of MRLC phosphorylation. Higher blebbistatin concentrations (25-100 microm) produced concentration-dependent inhibition of aggregation, shape change, Rho activation, and MRLC phosphorylation. These data demonstrate: (i) direct platelet myosin IIA participation in internal contraction; and (ii) inhibition of Rho activation and MRLC phosphorylation by >10 microm blebbistatin.

The effect of the anorectic agent, d-fenfluramine, and its primary metabolite, d-norfenfluramine, on intact human platelet serotonin uptake and efflux.

Dexfenfluramine, a drug formerly prescribed for treatment of obesity, caused heart valve damage and pulmonary hypertension in some people. The cause of the toxicity has not been defined, but 5-HT has been implicated. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the anorectic agent, d-fenfluramine, and its major metabolite, d-norfenfluramine, on intact human platelet serotonin (5-HT) transport in vitro. The effects of d-fenfluramine and d-norfenfluramine on platelet uptake and efflux of 3H-5-HT were measured in buffer at pH 6.7, to optimize serotonin transporter (SERT) function, and at pH 7.4. Uptake of 3H-5-HT at pH 6.7 and 7.4 was inhibited by both agents at micro m concentrations (IC50, d-fenfluramine approximately 3 microM; d-norfenfluramine approximately 10 microM). However, no efflux of 3H-5-HT from labeled platelets at either pH 6.7 or 7.4 occurred at similar concentrations of d-fenfluramine or d-norfenfluramine. With inhibition of platelet dense granule 3H-5-HT uptake by reserpine, efflux of 3H-5-HT was observed at pH 6, but not at pH 7.4. Fluoxetine, a SERT inhibitor, was a more potent inhibitor of uptake (IC50 0.05 microM) than d-fenfluramine, but the anorectic agent, phentermine, had no effect. Therefore, d-fenfluramine and d-norfenfluramine inhibit human platelet uptake of 5-HT in vitro at tissue concentrations attainable in vivo, but they do not stimulate 5-HT efflux due to dense granule sequestration. Inhibition of platelet 5-HT uptake may play a role in the cardiopulmonary toxicity of d-fenfluramine, but other factors probably contribute, since similar toxicity has not been observed with fluoxetine.

Epinephrine correction of impaired platelet thromboxane receptor signaling.

This study evaluated the mechanism of epinephrine potentiation of platelet secretion induced by thromboxane A(2) (TXA(2)). Dog platelets that do not secrete in response to TXA(2) alone (TXA(2)-) were compared with dog platelets that do secrete (TXA(2)+) and with human platelets. TXA(2)- platelets had impaired TXA(2) receptor (TP receptor)-G protein coupling, indicated by 1) impaired stimulated GTPase activity, 2) elevated basal guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) binding, and 3) elevated Galpha(q) palmitate turnover that was corrected by preexposure to epinephrine. Kinetic agonist binding studies revealed biphasic dog and human platelet TP receptor association and dissociation. TXA(2)- and TP receptor-desensitized TXA(2)+ dog and human platelets had altered ligand binding parameters compared with untreated TXA(2)+ or human platelets. These parameters were reversed, along with impaired secretion, by epinephrine. Basal phosphorylation of TXA(2)- platelet TP receptors was elevated 60% and was normalized by epinephrine. Epinephrine potentiates platelet secretion stimulated by TXA(2) by reducing basal TP receptor phosphorylation and facilitating TP receptor-G protein coupling in TXA(2)- platelets and, probably, in normal platelets as well.

Specificity of G alpha q and G alpha 11 gene expression in platelets and erythrocytes. Expressions of cellular differentiation and species differences.

G alpha q and G alpha 11, members of the Gq family of G-proteins, transduce signals from receptors to the beta isoenzymes of phosphatidyl-inositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC). The receptor specificity of these alpha subunits is unknown. G alpha q and G alpha 11 are ubiquitously expressed in tissues; however, there have been conflicting reports of the presence or absence of G alpha 11 protein in haematopoietic cells. Platelet thromboxane A2/prostaglandin H2 (TXA2/PGH2) receptors activate PI-PLC via G alpha q, but the role of G alpha 11 is uncertain. To define their roles in platelet activation we studied G alpha q and G alpha 11 gene expression by immunotransfer blotting and by reverse transcription of mRNA followed by PCR (RT-PCR) and direct sequencing. An antiserum specific for mouse G alpha 11 failed to identify G alpha 11 in dog or human platelets or in dog liver, a tissue known to contain G alpha 11. RT-PCR performed with gene-specific primers demonstrated G alpha q mRNA, but not G alpha 11 mRNA, in normal human and mouse platelets and in thromboxane-sensitive and thromboxane-insensitive dog platelets. Studies of mouse and dog liver and human retina confirmed that the cDNA, primers and probes used could amplify and recognize G alpha 11 in other tissues. However, species-specific oligonucleotide primers and probes were essential to demonstrate G alpha 11, but not G alpha q, mRNA. Compared with mouse cDNA, dog and human G alpha 11 cDNA had twice as many nucleotide substitutions (approx. 12% compared with approx. 6%) as G alpha q, G alpha q mRNA was also found in mature erythrocytes but G alpha 11 mRNA was not identified, whereas both G alpha q and G alpha 11 mRNAs were found in bone marrow stem cells. Therefore G alpha 11 gene expression in haematopoietic cells is linked with cellular differentiation. The lack of G alpha 11 indicates that signal transduction from platelet TXA2/PGH2 receptors to PI-PLC occurs via G alpha q, and that G alpha 11 deficiency is not responsible for defective activation of PI-PLC in thromboxane-insensitive dog platelets. Despite the high degree of similarity that exists between G alpha q and G alpha 11, significantly greater species-specific variation in nucleotide sequence is present in G alpha 11 than in G alpha q. Cellular specificity and species specificity are important characteristics of these Gq family G-proteins.

Thromboxane-insensitive dog platelets have impaired activation of phospholipase C due to receptor-linked G protein dysfunction.

Human platelet thromboxane A2/prostaglandin H2 (TXA2/PGH2) receptors are linked to phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) via a G protein tentatively identified as a member of the Gq class. In contrast, platelet thrombin receptors appear to activate PI-PLC via other unidentified G proteins. Platelets from most dogs are TXA2 insensitive (TXA2-); i.e., they do not aggregate irreversibly or secrete although they bind TXA2, but they respond normally to thrombin. In contrast, a minority of dogs have TXA2-sensitive (TXA2+) platelets that are responsive to TXA2. To determine the mechanism responsible for TXA2- platelets, we evaluated receptor activation of PI-PLC. Equilibrium binding of TXA2/PGH2 receptor agonists, [125I]BOP and [3H]U46619, and antagonist, [3H]SQ29,548, revealed comparable high-affinity binding to TXA2-, TXA2+, and human platelets. U46619-induced PI-PLC activation was impaired in TXA2- platelets as evidenced by reduced (a) phosphorylation of the 47-kD substrate of protein kinase C, (b) phosphatidic acid (PA) formation, (c) rise in cytosolic calcium concentration, and (d) inositol 1,4,5 trisphosphate (IP3) formation, while thrombin-induced PI-PLC activation was not impaired. GTPase activity stimulated by U46619, but not by thrombin, was markedly reduced in TXA2- platelets. Antisera to Gq class alpha subunits abolished U46619-induced GTPase activity in TXA2-, TXA2+, and human platelets. Direct G protein stimulation by GTP gamma S yielded significantly less PA and IP3 in TXA2- platelets. Immunotransfer blotting revealed comparable quantities of Gq class alpha-subunits in all three platelet types. Thus, TXA2- dog platelets have impaired PI-PLC activation in response to TXA2/PGH2 receptor agonists secondary to G protein dysfunction, presumably involving a member of the Gq class.

Thromboxane responsiveness of dog platelets is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait.

Most mongrel dogs have platelets that form thromboxane A2 (TXA2) from exogenous arachidonate, but they fail to aggregate or secrete in response to it. In contrast to these TXA2 insensitive (TXA2-) platelets, some dogs have TXA2 sensitive (TXA2+) platelets that aggregate and secrete when stirred with arachidonate. To evaluate the possible genetic basis for this difference, we carried out seven matings of mongrel dogs that yielded 48 viable offspring. Four matings of dogs with TXA2- platelets (presumed genotype TT) including 2 back-crosses, produced 32 pups with TXA2- (TT) platelets and 0 pups with TXA2+ platelets. A cross between a male with TXA2+ platelets (presumed genotype tt) and a female with TXA2+ (tt) platelets yielded 9 offspring with TXA2+ (tt) platelets and 0 with TXA2- platelets. Crossing a male presumed homozygous (TT) for TXA2- platelets with a female with TXA2+ (tt) platelets produced 2 pups with TXA2- (Tt) platelets and 0 pups with TXA2+ (tt) platelets. The same female with TXA2+ platelets crossed with a male presumed to be heterozygous (Tt) for TXA2- platelets yielded 2 pups with TXA2+ (tt) platelets and 3 pups with TXA2- (Tt) platelets. Segregation analysis of these data supports the hypothesis that the ability of dog platelets to aggregate and secrete in response to TXA2 is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait.

Adenosine potentiates the inhibitory effects of calcium channel antagonists on human platelet aggregation induced by thromboxane A2 or U46619.

Calcium channel antagonists inhibit platelet function in vitro and ex vivo, but the mechanism responsible has not been clearly defined. The concentrations of these agents required to inhibit platelet aggregation in vitro are several fold higher than those attained in vivo. Adenosine, a known inhibitor of platelet function, is produced in large quantities in ischemic myocardium. In order to test the hypothesis that adenosine may potentiate the platelet-inhibitory effects of calcium channel antagonists, we studied the effect of adenosine plus nifedipine, verapamil or diltiazem on human platelet aggregation induced by thromboxane A2 or the stable endoperoxide/thromboxane A2 mimic, U46619 +/- epinephrine. Adenosine, in concentrations achieved in the plasma during myocardial ischemia (0.01-0.1 microM), enhanced the inhibitory effects of nifedipine, verapamil and diltiazem on platelet aggregation 5-100 fold. The same concentrations of adenosine alone did not inhibit platelet aggregation. In the presence of non-inhibitory concentrations of adenosine, nifedipine, in concentrations approaching those attained in vivo following standard therapeutic doses (as low as 0.29 microM), significantly inhibited thromboxane A2-induced platelet aggregation. Therefore, adenosine potentiates the in vitro inhibitory effects of calcium channel antagonists on platelet aggregation induced by thromboxane A2 or thromboxane A2 plus epinephrine. These results suggest that adenosine production by ischemic myocardium may augment the inhibitory effect of calcium channel antagonists on platelets.

Dihydropyridine agonist Bay K 8644 inhibits platelet activation by competitive antagonism of thromboxane A2-prostaglandin H2 receptor.

The dihydropyridine calcium channel antagonists, such as nifedipine, inhibit platelet aggregation in vitro and ex vivo, but the mechanism by which this occurs is uncertain. Bay K 8644 (BAY) is a substituted dihydropyridine that has effects on voltage-dependent calcium channels in cardiac and smooth muscle that are opposite the effects of nifedipine. To evaluate the mechanism responsible for dihydropyridine-induced inhibition of platelet function, we studied the in vitro effects of BAY on human platelet aggregation and secretion plus several related biochemical parameters, including cytoplasmic ionized calcium ([Ca2+]i). BAY exerted concentration-dependent effects on platelet aggregation and secretion of [14C]serotonin. BAY (1-10 microns) inhibited the second wave of platelet aggregation and secretion stimulated by adenosine diphosphate or epinephrine and blocked shape change, aggregation, and secretion induced by the thromboxane A2 (TXA2) mimic, U46619. BAY also inhibited U46619-induced phosphorylation of the approximately 40,000-dalton cytoplasmic protein substrate of protein kinase C (40K protein), formation of TXA2, and rise in [Ca2+]i, all biochemical consequences of platelet activation. The (+)-(R) enantiomer of BAY [BAY(+)] was predominantly responsible for the inhibitory effects of racemic BAY. Nifedipine had the same inhibitory effects on platelet function and biochemistry, except it was approximately 10 times less potent than BAY. Since these results suggested inhibition of the TXA2-prostaglandin H2 (PGH2) receptor, we measured binding of [3H]U46619 to intact platelets. BAY, BAY(+), and nifedipine all functioned as competitive antagonists of [3H]U46619 binding (BAY Ki = 1.47 microM). They did not inhibit binding of [3H]yohimbine to platelet alpha 2-adrenergic receptors. At 1-10 nM BAY, BAY(+) and the (-)-(S) enantiomer of BAY [BAY(-)] all resulted in slight stimulation of platelet function and biochemical events. No significant increase in [3H]U46619 binding was demonstrable, however. Therefore, dihydropyridines that function as either calcium channel agonists or antagonists in cardiac or smooth muscle exert concentration-dependent effects on platelet function. In nanomolar concentrations, they augment, and in micromolar concentrations, they inhibit platelet activation induced by TXA2 or U46619. These data indicate that dihydropyridines do not inhibit TXA2-induced platelet activation by an effect on voltage-dependent calcium channels; they define the mechanism of inhibition as competitive antagonism of the TXA2-PGH2 receptor. The mechanism responsible for augmentation of platelet activation is uncertain.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Disparate effects of the calcium-channel blockers, nifedipine and verapamil, on alpha 2-adrenergic receptors and thromboxane A2-induced aggregation of human platelets.

Calcium-channel blockers inhibit human platelet aggregation in vitro and ex vivo. To further evaluate the mechanism(s) responsible for the inhibition induced by this structurally heterogeneous group of compounds, we studied the effect of nifedipine and verapamil on human platelet aggregation in vitro. Neither 10 microM nifedipine nor 10 microM verapamil consistently inhibited the aggregation response of platelet-rich plasma to threshold concentrations of ADP, sodium arachidonate, epinephrine, or collagen. However, both 10 microM nifedipine and 10 microM verapamil epinephrine-potentiated, thromboxane A2 (TXA2)-induced aggregation of aspirin-incubated, gel-filtered platelets. Aggregation of similarly prepared platelets induced by TXA2 alone was abolished by 10 microM nifedipine but not by 10 microM verapamil. Even 100 microM verapamil gave only partial and inconsistent inhibition of aggregation. Both drugs had essentially the same effects on platelet aggregation induced by the stable endoperoxide and TXA2 mimic, U46619, with or without epinephrine. Neither 10 microM nifedipine nor 10 microM verapamil elevated platelet cyclic AMP. Verapamil (10 microM) inhibited binding of [3H]-yohimbine (an alpha 2-adrenergic receptor antagonist) to intact human platelets (KD 10.5 nM vs 2.4 nM for control platelets) without altering the number of binding sites. In contrast, 10 microM nifedipine had no effect on KD or number of binding sites. These results indicate that nifedipine and verapamil inhibit epinephrine-potentiated, TXA2-induced human platelet aggregation by different mechanisms. Verapamil inhibits the epinephrine contribution to the aggregation response by blocking alpha 2-adrenergic receptor binding. Nifedipine blocks the platelet response to TXA2 without affecting alpha-adrenergic receptor binding. These observations have potential clinical implications with regard to the mechanisms by which calcium-channel blockers inhibit vascular spasm and myocardial ischemia.

Effect of inhibition of platelet function with carbenicillin or aspirin on experimental canine sudden death.

The role of blood platelets in the pathogenesis of experimental sudden death was evaluated in dogs. Coronary artery embolization resulted in acute myocardial ischemia that was followed by sudden death (death within 15 min of embolization) in 51% of anesthetized control animals. Pretreatment with carbenicillin, which markedly inhibited platelet aggregation or estradiol cypionate, which induced severe thrombocytopenia, significantly reduced the incidence of sudden death to 9% and zero, respectively. Pretreatment with aspirin, which uniformly inhibited platelet aggregation, was associated with a reduced incidence of sudden death (25%), but the difference between aspirin-treated and control animals lacked statistical significance. Drug treatment did not prevent myocardial infarction, and the sizes of myocardial infarcts observed in animals that survived 30 days were not different from those of control animals. Sudden death was preceded by a significantly greater fall in mean arterial pressure than that observed in survivors, but the frequency of ventricular ectopic beats did not differ in survivors and nonsurvivors. These studies suggest that (1) platelets play an important role in experimental sudden death which follows acute coronary embolization and (2) inhibition of platelet function protects against experimental sudden death by a mechanism that prevents severe hypotension but is not antiarrhythmic. Drug-induced platelet dysfunction and thrombocytopenia may protect against experimental sudden death by preventing intravascular platelet aggregation and embolization.

In vivo platelet retention in human bleeding-time wounds. I. Normal subjects and patients with platelet dysfunction.

PRB was measured in standardized skin puncture wounds. Platelets in wound blood samples collected in EDTA-heparin-containing micropipettes were counted electronically following gravity separation of plasma. The relationship between the wound platelet count (expressed as percent of the venous blood platelet count) and time was found to be linear during the first 3 min of bleeding. The slope of the linear regression line for percent of venous blood platelet count vs. time was 20.8 +/- 8.9 (mean +/- S.D.) in 31 normal subjects. Nine of 10 patients with significant, nonpharmacologic platelet dysfunction were found to have markedly decreased PRB. The determination of PRB was found to be reproducible, and control studies excluded platelet clumping and sedimentation of platelets as factors which significantly influenced the results. In contrast to previous observations, the results of this study indicate that platelets are removed from circulating blood at an increasing rate during the first 3 min of bleeding in normal subjects. Furthermore, a significant degree of EDTA-reversible clumping of platelets normally occurs during bleeding. The method described permits an accurate assessment of the quantitative and dynamic aspects of platelet participation in the arrest of bleeding. The determination of PRB holds promise in the evaluation of the biological significance of in vitro evidence of platelet dysfunction, and it may be useful in the evaluation of patients with hemorrhagic and thromboembolic disorders.

In vivo platelet retention in human bleeding-time wounds. II. Effect of aspirin ingestion.

PRB was studied in normal human subjects before and after aspirin ingestion. Aspirin ingestion resulted in a prolongation of individual bleeding times greater than 2.4 min (greater than 2 S.D. beyond the group mean before aspirin) in 62.5% of 48 paired studies. The relationship of platelets retained vs. time was linear during the first 3 min of bleeding before and after aspirin. The mean PRB decreased from 22.1 +/- 9.2 to 9.6 +/- 8.6 (p less than 0.001) after aspirin ingestion. Subjects whose bleeding time was prolonged greater than 2.4 min had a significantly higher mean PRB before aspirin and a significantly greater mean decrease in PRB after aspirin than those whose bleeding time was prolonged less than or equal to 2.4 min. Aspirin ingestion reduced the number of EDTA-irreversible clumped platelets present in wound blood approximately 50% during the second and third minute of bleeding, but large numbers of EDTA-reversible platelet clumps were observed in wound blood before and after aspirin. Although platelet retention was significantly decreased during the first 3 min of bleeding after aspirin, the percent of venous blood platelets present in wound blood just prior to the arrest of hemorrhage was equal before and after aspirin. These observations indicate that aspirin prolongs the bleeding time by decreasing platelet clumping and slowing the rate of platelet thrombus formation in severed blood vessels. The presence of platelet clumps in wound blood after aspirin ingestion indicates that alternative mechanisms of platelet aggregation, independent of the arachidonate pathway of prostaglandin synthesis, proceed in vivo unaltered by aspirin.