Heparin enhances uptake of platelet factor 4/heparin complexes by monocytes and macrophages.

BACKGROUND: Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is an iatrogenic complication of heparin therapy caused by antibodies to a self-antigen, platelet factor (4) and heparin. The reasons why antibodies form to PF4/heparin, but not to PF4 bound to other cellular glycosaminoglycans are poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: To investigate differences in cellular responses to cell-bound PF4 and PF4/heparin complexes, we studied the internalization of each by peripheral blood-derived monocytes, dendritic cells and neutrophils. METHODS AND RESULTS: Using unlabeled and fluorescently-labeled antigen and/or labeled monoclonal antibody to PF4/heparin complexes (KKO), we show that PF4/heparin complexes are taken up by monocytes in a heparin-dependent manner and are internalized by human monocytes and dendritic cells, but not by neutrophils. Complexes of PF4/low-molecular-weight heparin and complexes composed of heparin and murine PF4, protamine or lysozyme are internalized similarly, suggesting a common endocytic pathway. Uptake of complexes is mediated by macropinocytosis, as shown by inhibition using cytochalasin D and amiloride. Internalized complexes are transported intact to late endosomes, as indicated by co-staining of vesicles with KKO and lysosomal associated membrane protein-2 (LAMP-2). Lastly, we show that cellular uptake is accompanied by expression of MHCII and CD83 co-stimulatory molecules. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, these studies establish a distinct role for heparin in enhancing antigen uptake and activation of the initial steps in the cellular immune response to PF4-containing complexes.

Clot penetration and retention by plasminogen activators promote fibrinolysis.

Tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) remains the sole thrombolytic approved by the FDA for the treatment of pulmonary embolism (PE). tPA has not been replaced by third generation plasminogen activators, e.g. Reteplase (Ret) and Tenecteplase (TNK) that circulate with longer life-spans and in theory should have more extended potency in vivo. One reason for this paradox is the inability to assign units of activity to plasminogen activators based on specific biologically relevant standards, which impairs objective comparison. Here, we compare clot permeation, retention and fibrinolytic activities of tPA, TNK and Ret in vitro and clot composition over time with outcome in a mouse model of disseminated pulmonary microembolism (ME). When clots were incubated in the continuous presence of drug, tPA, TNK and Ret lysed fibrin clots identically in the absence of PA inhibitor-1 (e.g. PAI-1). Ret, which has lower fibrin affinity and greater susceptibility to inhibition by PAI-1 than tPA, was less effective in lysing plasma clots, while TNK was less effective when the fibrin content of the clots was enhanced. However, when clots were afforded only brief exposure to drug, as occurs in vivo, Ret showed more extensive clot permeation, greater retention and lysis than tPA or TNK. These results were reproduced in vivo in a mouse model of ME. These studies indicate the need for more relevant tests of plasminogen activator activity in vitro and in vivo and they show that clot permeation and retention are important potential predictors of clinical utility.

Interaction of high-molecular-weight kininogen with endothelial cell binding proteins suPAR, gC1qR and cytokeratin 1 determined by surface plasmon resonance (BiaCore).

The physiologic activation of the plasma kallikrein-kinin system requires the assembly of its constituents on a cell membrane. High- molecular-weight kininogen (HK) and cleaved HK (HKa) both interact with at least three endothelial cell binding proteins: urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR), globular C1q receptor (gC1qR,) and cytokeratin 1 (CK1). The affinity of HK and HKa for endothelial cells are KD=7-52 nM. The contribution of each protein is unknown. We examined the direct binding of HK and HKa to the soluble extracellular form of uPAR (suPAR), gC1qR and CK1 using surface plasmon resonance. Each binding protein linked to a CM-5 chip and the association, dissociation and KD (equilibrium constant) were measured. The interaction of HK and HKa with each binding protein was zinc-dependent. The affinity for HK and HKa was gC1qR>CK1>suPAR, indicating that gC1qR is dominant for binding. The affinity for HKa compared to HK was the same for gC1qR, 2.6-fold tighter for CK1 but 53-fold tighter for suPAR. Complex between binding proteins was only observed between gC1qR and CK1 indicating that a binary CK1-gC1qR complex can form independently of kininogen. Although suPAR has the weakest affinity of the three binding proteins, it is the only one that distinguished between HK and HKa. This finding indicates that uPAR may be a key membrane binding protein for differential binding and signalling between the cleaved and uncleaved forms of kininogen. The role of CK1 and gC1qR may be to initially bind HK to the membrane surface before productive cleavage to HKa.

The HIT Expert Probability (HEP) Score: a novel pre-test probability model for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia based on broad expert opinion.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is challenging. Over-diagnosis and over-treatment are common. OBJECTIVES: To develop a pre-test clinical scoring model for HIT based on broad expert opinion that may be useful in guiding clinical decisions regarding therapy. PATIENTS/METHODS: A pre-test model, the HIT Expert Probability (HEP) Score, was constructed based on the opinions of 26 HIT experts. Fifty patients referred to a reference laboratory for HIT testing comprised the validation cohort. Two hematology trainees scored each patient using the HEP Score and a previously published clinical scoring system (4 T's). A panel of three independent experts adjudicated the 50 patients and rendered a diagnosis of HIT likely or unlikely. All subjects underwent HIT laboratory testing with a polyspecific HIT ELISA and serotonin release assay (SRA). RESULTS: The HEP Score exhibited significantly greater interobserver agreement [intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.88 (95% CI 0.80-0.93) vs. 0.71 (0.54-0.83)], correlation with the results of HIT laboratory testing and concordance with the diagnosis of the expert panel (area under receiver-operating curve: 0.91 vs. 0.74, P = 0.017) than the 4 T's. The model was 100% sensitive and 60% specific for determining the presence of HIT as defined by the expert panel and would have allowed for a 41% reduction in the number of patients receiving a direct thrombin inhibitor (DTI). CONCLUSION: The HEP Score is the first pre-test clinical scoring model for HIT based on broad expert opinion, exhibited favorable operating characteristics and may permit clinicians to confidently reduce use of alternative anticoagulants. Prospective multicenter validation is warranted.

The spatial dynamics of fibrin clot dissolution catalyzed by erythrocyte-bound vs. free fibrinolytics.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND: Coupling fibrinolytic plasminogen activators to red blood cells (RBCs) has been proposed as an effective, yet safe method of thromboprophylaxis, because of increased circulation lifetime and reduced propensity to induce hemorrhage by selectivity for nascent thrombi rather than pre-formed hemostatic clots. OBJECTIVES AND METHODS: We used confocal microscopy of fluorescently labeled fibrin and erythrocytes in plasma-derived clots to study the spatial dynamics of lysis catalyzed by RBC-coupled vs. free plasminogen activators (RBC-PA vs. PA). RESULTS: Clot lysis catalyzed by free PA progressed gradually and uniformly. In contrast, distinct holes formed surrounding RBC-PA while the rest of the clot remained intact until these holes enlarged sufficiently to merge, causing sudden clot dissolution. Compared with naïve RBCs within clots lysed by free PA, RBC-PA moved faster inside the fibrin network prior to clot dissolution, providing a potential mechanism for spatial propagation of RBC-PA induced lysis. We also showed the focal nature of fibrinolysis by RBC-PA as dense loading of PA onto RBCs initiates more efficient lysis than equal amounts of PA spread sparsely over more RBCs. In an in vitro model of clots exposed to buffer flow, incorporated RBC-PA increased permeability and formed channels eventually triggering clot dissolution, whereas clots containing free PA remained intact. CONCLUSIONS: Clot lysis by RBC-PA begins focally, has a longer lag phase when measured by residual mass than homogeneous lysis by PA, is propagated by RBC-PA motility and provides more effective clot reperfusion than free PA, making RBC-PA attractive for short-term thromboprophylaxis.

Platelet and monocyte antigenic complexes in the pathogenesis of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT).

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is an iatrogenic disorder that occurs in a small subset of patients receiving heparin. Twenty-five per cent (or higher) of affected patients develop limb or life-threatening thrombosis. The effectiveness of therapy is incomplete and may be complicated by bleeding. HIT is caused by antibodies that recognize the platelet chemokine, Platelet Factor 4 (PF4), complexed to heparin or to cellular glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). However, antibodies with the same apparent specificity are found in many more patients without clinical disease and the reason why so few develop HIT is uncertain. We propose that HIT antibodies recognize cell surface PF4/GAG complexes on intravascular cells, including platelets and monocytes that are dynamic and mutable. Heparin removes cell surface-bound PF4 in most individuals, but removal is incomplete in those with high pre-exposure surface-bound PF4 levels. Such individuals retain critically localized cellular antigenic complexes at the time antibodies develop and are at risk to develop HIT. This article reviews the scientific basis for this model and its clinical implications.

Interlaboratory agreement in the monitoring of unfractionated heparin using the anti-factor Xa-correlated activated partial thromboplastin time.

BACKGROUND: In an effort to improve interlaboratory agreement in the monitoring of unfractionated heparin (UFH), the College of American Pathologists (CAP) recommends that the therapeutic range of the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) be defined in each laboratory through correlation with a direct measure of heparin activity such as the factor Xa inhibition assay. Whether and to what extent this approach enhances the interlaboratory agreement of UFH monitoring has not been reported. OBJECTIVES: We conducted a cross-validation study among four CAP-accredited coagulation laboratories to compare the interlaboratory agreement of the anti-FXa-correlated APTT with that of the traditional 1.5-2.5 times the midpoint of normal (1.5-2.5:control) method for defining the therapeutic APTT range. PATIENTS AND METHODS: APTT and FXa inhibition assays were performed in each laboratory on plasma samples from 44 inpatients receiving UFH. RESULTS: Using the anti-FXa-correlation method, there was agreement among all four laboratories as to whether a sample was subtherapeutic, therapeutic or supratherapeutic in seven (16%) patient samples. In contrast, consensus was achieved in 23 (52%) samples when the 1.5-2.5:control method was employed. CONCLUSIONS: The anti-FXa-correlation method does not appear to enhance interlaboratory agreement in UFH monitoring as compared with the traditional 1.5-2.5:control method. Adoption of the anti-FXa-correlation method produces considerable disparity in UFH dosing decisions among different centers, although the clinical impact of this disparity is not known.

Prothrombotic factors enhance heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis in vivo in a mouse model.

BACKGROUND: Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia/thrombosis (HIT/T) is a common cause of life- and limb-threatening thrombosis. The development of antibodies that react with complexes of heparin and platelet factor 4 (PF4) is fundamental to the development of the disease. However, anti-PF4/heparin antibodies are far more common than is HIT/T and there is less understanding of the factors that contribute to thrombosis in only a subset of patients. OBJECTIVES: Both qualitative and quantitative differences in multiple factors (e.g. antibodies, heparin and platelets) may influence the clinical course of patients who develop anti-PF4/heparin antibodies. We examined the hypothesis that host-specific factors, such as comorbid prothrombotic conditions, would exacerbate the pathologic effects of anti-PF4/heparin antibodies. METHODS AND RESULTS: A mouse model transgenic for human Fcgamma RIIa and PF4 and null for mouse PF4 was used to study the influence of prothrombotic conditions on the effects of anti-PF4/heparin antibodies in vivo. To simulate a prothrombotic milieu, mice were fed a hypercholesterolemic diet (HD). HD-fed mice had elevated plasma cholesterol, increased platelet reactivity and increased endothelial activation relative to mice fed a standard diet (SD). Age- and sex-matched mice from each diet group were treated with an anti-PF4/heparin antibody and heparin. HD-fed mice developed more severe thrombocytopenia than similarly treated SD-fed mice. Mice with moderate to severe thrombocytopenia had elevated plasma levels of thrombin-antithrombin complexes, indicative of increased thrombin generation in vivo. Platelet-fibrin thrombi were observed in multiple organs of HD-fed mice that developed severe thrombocytopenia. CONCLUSIONS: Host-specific factors, such as prothrombotic changes in platelet reactivity and/or endothelial activation, may influence the development of thrombosis in a subset of patients who develop anti-PF4/heparin antibodies.

Platelets: an update on diagnosis and management of thrombocytopenic disorders.

Thrombocytopenia in the pregnant patient may result from a number of causes, most of which involve either immune-mediated platelet destruction or platelet consumption. Many of these disorders share clinical and laboratory features, making accurate diagnosis difficult. Moreover, uterine evacuation is indicated in the therapy of some disorders, while in others alternative interventions may allow the pregnancy to be carried to term. These and other issues are discussed as part of a comprehensive review of the differential diagnosis and management of thrombocytopenia in pregnancy. The term "refractory ITP" is used with reference to two distinct groups of patients: 1) patients in whom the platelet count cannot be easily increased, including those who are poorly responsive to initial single agent treatment, and 2) those with persistent thrombocytopenia despite the use of conventional therapies. An approach to management of the former group will be presented, followed by a discussion of patients with chronic refractory ITP. The latter will include presentation of new data on the role of Helicobacter pylori in ITP and whether its treatment ameliorates thrombocytopenia, as well as the use of rituximab and other modalities. Thrombotic microangiopathies such as thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) are rare, but life threatening causes of thrombocytopenia. Ultra-large multimers of von Willebrand factor (vWF) aggregate platelets intravascularly, and congenital or immune-mediated deficiencies of a metalloprotease that cleaves these ultra-large multimers may cause TTP. However, little information exists concerning the behavior of this protease in other physiological and pathological conditions. Levels of this protease have now been measured in healthy individuals of different ages, full-term newborns, pregnant women and a patients with variety of pathologic conditions, and these data will be reviewed herein. Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia/thrombosis (HIT/T) remains the most common antibody-mediated, drug-induced thrombocytopenic disorder, and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Based on clinical correlations and murine models, there is increasing evidence that antibodies to complexes between platelet factor 4 (PF4) and heparin cause HIT/T, and the molecular composition of the relevant antigen has also become better defined. However, the introduction of sensitive ELISAs to measure anti-PF4/heparin antibodies has complicated diagnosis in some settings in which the incidence of such antibodies in unaffected patients exceeds the incidence of the disease. In addition, the FDA approval of Lepirudin and Argatroban has expanded the repertoire of agents available for therapy of HIT/T and may change the approach to management of asymptomatic patients with thrombocytopenia. However, the optimal use of these drugs in commonly encountered settings remains in evolution, and a need for alternative approaches to prevention and treatment is evident.

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia/thrombosis in a transgenic mouse model requires human platelet factor 4 and platelet activation through FcgammaRIIA.

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia/thrombosis (HIT/HITT) is a severe, life-threatening complication that occurs in 1% to 3% of patients exposed to heparin. Interactions between heparin, human platelet factor 4 (hPF4), antibodies to the hPF4/heparin complex, and the platelet Fc receptor (FcR) for immunoglobulin G, FcgammaRIIA, are the proposed primary determinants of the disease on the basis of in vitro studies. The goal of this study was to create a mouse model that recapitulates the disease process in humans in order to understand the factors that predispose some patients to develop thrombocytopenia and thrombosis and to investigate new therapeutic approaches. Mice that express both human platelet FcgammaRIIA and hPF4 were generated. The FcgammaRIIA/hPF4 mice and controls, transgenic for either FcgammaRIIA or hPF4, were injected with KKO, a mouse monoclonal antibody specific for hPF4/heparin complexes, and then received heparin (20 U/d). Nadir platelet counts for KKO/heparin-treated FcgammaRIIA/hPF4 mice were 80% below baseline values, significantly different (P <.001) from similarly treated controls. FcgammaRIIA/hPF4 mice injected with KKO and 50 U/d heparin developed shock and showed fibrin-rich thrombi in multiple organs, including thrombosis in the pulmonary vasculature. This is the first mouse model of HIT to recapitulate the salient features of the human disease and demonstrates that FcgammaRIIA and hPF4 are both necessary and sufficient to replicate HIT/HITT in an animal model. This model should facilitate the identification of factors that modulate disease expression and the testing of novel therapeutic interventions.

The structure of lipoprotein(a) and ligand-induced conformational changes.

Lipoprotein(a) is composed of low-density lipoprotein linked both covalently and noncovalently to apolipoprotein(a). The structure of lipoprotein(a) and the interactions between low-density lipoprotein and apolipoprotein(a) were investigated by electron microscopy and correlated with analytical ultracentrifugation. Electron microscopy of rotary-shadowed and unidirectionally shadowed lipoprotein(a) prepared without glycerol revealed that it is a nearly spherical particle with no large projections. After extraction of both lipoprotein(a) and low-density lipoprotein with glycerol prior to rotary shadowing, the protein components were observed to consist of a ring of density made up of nodules of different sizes, with apolipoprotein(a) and apolipoprotein B-100 closely associated with each other. However, when lipoprotein(a) was treated with a lysine analogue, 6-aminohexanoic acid, much of the apolipoprotein(a) separated from the apolipoprotein B-100. In 6-aminohexanoic acid-treated preparations without glycerol extraction, lipoprotein(a) particles had an irregular mass of density around the core. In contrast, lipoprotein(a) particles treated with 6-aminohexanoic acid in the presence of glycerol had a long tail, in which individual kringles could be distinguished, extending from the ring of apolipoprotein B-100. The length of the tail was dependent on the particular isoform of apolipoprotein(a). Dissociation of the noncovalent interactions between apolipoprotein(a) and low-density lipoprotein as a result of shear forces or changes in the microenvironment may contribute to selective retention of lipoprotein(a) in the vasculature.

Abciximab readministration: results of the ReoPro Readministration Registry.

BACKGROUND: Platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa blockade with abciximab (ReoPro) improves the clinical outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention. This registry was conducted to characterize the effects of repeated administration of abciximab during intervention. METHODS AND RESULTS: We recruited 500 consecutive patients at 22 centers in the United States who were receiving abciximab for at least a second time during percutaneous coronary intervention. Safety was measured as the incidence of hypersensitivity reactions, major bleeding, and thrombocytopenia. Efficacy was assessed as event-free clinical success. Human antichimeric antibody (HACA) responses were also characterized. There were no cases of hypersensitivity (95% upper confidence bound, 0.3%), major bleeding, or death. Clinical success was 94.4%. Thrombocytopenia occurred in 23 patients (4.6%; 95% CI, 2.8% to 6.4%), including 12 (2.4%; 95% CI, 1.1% to 3.7%) who developed profound thrombocytopenia (<20x10(9) cells/L). In 2 patients (0.4%), profound thrombocytopenia did not develop until after hospital discharge; in 4 (0.8%), profound thrombocytopenia recurred despite platelet transfusion. Before a first readministration, a positive HACA titer was present in 22 of 454 patients (4.8%); after a first readministration, an additional 82 of 432 (19.0%) became HACA-positive. HACA did not neutralize the in vitro inhibition of platelet aggregation by abciximab or correlate with clinical events. CONCLUSIONS: The results, including overall rates of thrombocytopenia, were consistent with randomized clinical trials of first abciximab treatment. However, there was a shift from mild to profound thrombocytopenia, and cases of delayed presentation and of recurrent thrombocytopenia were seen. These findings suggest that indications and guidelines for first-time use apply to retreatment, particularly the systematic monitoring for thrombocytopenia.

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia: bovine versus porcine heparin in cardiopulmonary bypass surgery.

BACKGROUND: Studies have demonstrated a high incidence of antibodies to heparin/platelet factor 4 complexes, the antigen in heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, in patients after cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. In many hospitals, beef lung heparin has been used historically for cardiopulmonary bypass, and there has been reluctance to change to porcine heparin despite concerns of an increased incidence of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia in patients receiving bovine heparin. METHODS: A prospective randomized trial comparing bovine and porcine heparin in cardiopulmonary bypass surgery was conducted. Presurgery and postsurgery heparin antibody formation was studied using the serotonin release assay and a heparin/platelet factor 4 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Data available on 98 patients, randomized to receive either bovine or porcine heparin, revealed no significant difference in patient positivity by serotonin release assay (12% in both groups) or by the heparin/platelet factor 4 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (29% with porcine and 35% with bovine heparin) postoperatively. There were no significant differences between preoperative and postoperative platelet counts or thromboembolic complications. CONCLUSIONS: Our study does not support the belief that bovine heparin is more likely than porcine heparin to induce the development of antibodies to heparin/platelet factor 4.

Urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (CD87) is a ligand for integrins and mediates cell-cell interaction.

Binding of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) to its receptor (uPAR/CD87) regulates cellular adhesion, migration, and tumor cell invasion. However, it is unclear how glycosyl phosphatidylinositol-anchored uPAR, which lacks a transmembrane structure, mediates signal transduction. It has been proposed that uPAR forms cis-interactions with integrins as an associated protein and thereby transduces proliferative or migratory signals to cells upon binding of uPA. We provide evidence that soluble uPAR (suPAR) specifically binds to integrins alpha4beta1, alpha6beta1, alpha9beta1, and alphavbeta3 on Chinese hamster ovary cells in a cation-dependent manner. Anti-integrin and anti-uPAR antibodies effectively block binding of suPAR to these integrins. Binding of suPAR to alpha4beta1 and alphavbeta3 is blocked by known soluble ligands and by the integrin mutations that inhibit ligand binding. These results suggest that uPAR is an integrin ligand rather than, or in addition to, an integrin-associated protein. In addition, we demonstrate that glycosyl phosphatidylinositol-anchored uPAR on the cell surface specifically binds to integrins on the apposing cells, suggesting that uPAR-integrin interaction may mediate cell-cell interaction (trans-interaction). These previously unrecognized uPAR-integrin interactions may allow uPAR to transduce signals through the engaged integrin without a hypothetical transmembrane adapter and may provide a potential therapeutic target for control of inflammation and cancer.

The alpha-defensins stimulate proteoglycan-dependent catabolism of low-density lipoprotein by vascular cells: a new class of inflammatory apolipoprotein and a possible contributor to atherogenesis.

Inflammation may contribute to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. On the basis of previous reports that human atherosclerotic lesions contain alpha-defensins, a class of cationic proteins released by activated neutrophils, the study was designed to ask whether defensins modulate the binding and catabolism of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) by human vascular cells. The results of the study demonstrated that defensin stimulated the binding of (125)I-LDL to cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and fibroblasts approximately 5-fold in a dose-dependent and saturable manner. Defensin and LDL formed stable complexes in solution and on cell surfaces. Stimulation of LDL binding by defensin was not inhibited by antibodies against the LDL-receptor (LDL-R), or by recombinant receptor-associated protein, which blocks binding of ligands to the alpha(2)-macroglobulin receptor/LDL-R-related protein and other LDL-R family members. Furthermore, defensin stimulated the binding, endocytosis, and degradation of LDL by fibroblasts lacking LDL-R. Stimulation of LDL degradation by defensin was inhibited approximately 75% by low concentrations of heparin (0.2 units/mL) and was similarly reduced in CHO cells lacking heparan-sulfate-containing proteoglycans. The effect of defensin was substantially increased in cells overexpressing the core protein of the syndecan-1 heparan sulfate proteoglycan. The alpha-defensins released from activated neutrophils may provide a link between inflammation and atherosclerosis by changing the pattern of LDL catabolism from LDL-R to the less efficient LDL-R-independent, proteoglycan-dependent pathway. (Blood. 2000;96:1393-1398)

Urokinase mediates fibrinolysis in the pulmonary microvasculature.

The role of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and its receptor (uPAR) in fibrinolysis remains unsettled. The contribution of uPA may depend on the vascular location, the physical properties of the clot, and its impact on tissue function. To study the contribution of urokinase within the pulmonary microvasculature, a model of pulmonary microembolism in the mouse was developed. Iodine 125 ((125)I)-labeled fibrin microparticles injected intravenously through the tail vein lodged preferentially in the lung, distributing homogeneously throughout the lobes. Clearance of (125)I-microemboli in wild type mice was rapid and essentially complete by 5 hours. In contrast, uPA(-/-) and tissue-type plasminogen activator tPA(-/-) mice, but not uPAR(-/-) mice, showed a marked impairment in pulmonary fibrinolysis throughout the experimental period. The phenotype in the uPA(-/-) mouse was rescued completely by infusion of single chain uPA (scuPA). The increment in clot lysis was 4-fold greater in uPA(-/-) mice infused with the same concentration of scuPA complexed with soluble recombinant uPAR. These data indicate that uPA contributes to endogenous fibrinolysis in the pulmonary vasculature to the same extent as tPA in this model system. Binding of scuPA to its receptor promotes fibrinolytic activity in vivo as well as in vitro. The physical properties of fibrin clots, including size, age, and cellular composition, as well as heterogeneity in endothelial cell function, may modify the participation of uPA in endogenous fibrinolysis. (Blood. 2000;96:1820-1826)

Urokinase-derived peptides regulate vascular smooth muscle contraction in vitro and in vivo.

We examined the effect of urokinase (uPA) and its fragments on vascular smooth muscle cell contraction. Single-chain uPA inhibits phenylepherine (PE) -induced contraction of rat aortic rings, whereas two-chain uPA exerts the opposite effect. Two independent epitopes mediating these opposing activities were identified. A6, a capped peptide corresponding to amino acids 136-143 (KPSSPPEE) of uPA, increased the EC(50) of PE-induced vascular contraction sevenfold by inhibiting the release of calcium from intracellular stores. A6 activity was abolished by deleting the carboxyl-terminal Glu or by mutating the Ser corresponding to position 138 in uPA to Glu. A single-chain uPA variant lacking amino acids 136-143 did not induce vasorelaxation. A second epitope within the kringle of uPA potentiated PE-induced vasoconstriction. This epitope was exposed when single-chain uPA was converted to a two-chain molecule by plasmin. The isolated uPA kringle augmented vasoconstriction, whereas uPA variant lacking the kringle had no procontractile activity. These studies reveal previously undescribed vasoactive domains within urokinase and its naturally derived fragments.

A peptide derived from the nonreceptor binding region of urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) inhibits tumor progression and angiogenesis and induces tumor cell death in vivo.

Urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) plays an important role in the progression of several malignancies including breast cancer. We have identified a noncompetitive antagonist of the uPA-uPAR interaction derived from a nonreceptor binding region of uPA (amino acids 136-143). This 8-mer capped peptide (A6) inhibited breast cancer cell invasion and endothelial cell migration in a dose-dependent manner in vitro without altering cell doubling time. Intraperitoneal administration of A6 resulted in a significant inhibition of tumor growth and suppressed the development of lymph node metastases in several models of breast cancer cell growth and metastasis. Large areas of tumor necrosis and extensive positive staining by TUNEL were observed on histological and immunohistochemical analysis of experimental tumor sections from A6-treated animals. A6 treatment also resulted in a decrease in factor VIII-positive tumor microvessel hot-spots. These results identify a new epitope in uPA that is involved in the uPA-uPAR interaction and indicate that an antagonist based on this epitope is able to inhibit tumor progression by modulating the tumor microenvironment in the absence of direct cytotoxic effects in vivo.