Platelet-erythrocyte interactions enhance αIIbβ3 integrin receptor activation and P-selectin expression during platelet recruitment: down-regulation by aspirin ex vivo

J Vallés, MT Santos, J Aznar, M Martınez… - Blood, The Journal …, 2002 - ashpublications.org
J Vallés, MT Santos, J Aznar, M Martınez, A Moscardó, M Pinón, MJ Broekman, AJ Marcus
Blood, The Journal of the American Society of Hematology, 2002ashpublications.org
Activated platelets release biologically active compounds, which then recruit additional
platelets into an evolving thrombus. We studied activation of αIIbβ3 and exposure of P-
selectin on platelets recruited by releasates obtained from collagen-treated platelets and
evaluated modifications in prothrombotic effects of releasates induced by platelet-
erythrocyte interactions and aspirin treatment. Releasates from collagen-stimulated platelets
induced αIIbβ3 activation and P-selectin exposure (monitored by flow cytometry using …
Activated platelets release biologically active compounds, which then recruit additional platelets into an evolving thrombus. We studied activation of αIIbβ3 and exposure of P-selectin on platelets recruited by releasates obtained from collagen-treated platelets and evaluated modifications in prothrombotic effects of releasates induced by platelet-erythrocyte interactions and aspirin treatment. Releasates from collagen-stimulated platelets induced αIIbβ3 activation and P-selectin exposure (monitored by flow cytometry using fluorescein isothiocyanate–PAC-1 and phycoerythrin-CD62 antibodies). These responses were markedly amplified by releasates from combined platelet-erythrocyte suspensions. This finding demonstrates a novel mechanism(s) by which erythrocytes intensify platelet aggregability and mediate increased platelet recruitment. Because P-selectin and αIIbβ3 are potential sites for platelet-leukocyte interactions, erythrocytes may also modulate leukocyte recruitment. Following aspirin ingestion both the recruiting capacity of platelet releasates and erythrocyte-induced amplification of platelet recruitment were down-regulated. These events represent an additional antithrombotic property of aspirin. We also examined the possibility that arachidonic acid, or eicosanoids derived therefrom, can induce a prothrombotic activity of erythrocytes. The TXA2-analog U46 619 and free arachidonate, but not PGI2 or 12-HETE, induced increases in cytosolic Ca++ and promoted phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure on a subpopulation of erythrocytes. PS exposure and increases in erythrocyte [Ca++]i are associated with enhanced procoagulant activity, increased endothelial adhesion, and reduced erythrocyte deformability. Our findings, therefore, suggest that TXA2 and arachidonic acid, derived from activated platelets, induce a prothrombotic phenotype on erythrocytes in proximity. We conclude that by these mechanisms, erythrocytes can actively contribute to platelet-driven thrombogenesis and microvascular occlusion.
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