Human megakaryocytes. I. Characterization of the membrane and cytoplasmic components of isolated marrow megakaryocytes.

Human marrow megakaryocytes have been isolated with high purity and yield by processing marrow cells sequentially through density centrifugation and velocity sedimentation. Analysis of the isolated cells for various platelet-associated components by immunofluorescence demonstrated that fibrinogen, plasma factor VIII antigen (factor VIII:AGN) platelet myosin, platelet glycoproteins I and III are present on the membrane and in the cytoplasm of over 90% of marrow megakaryocytes. Parallel studies of human and mouse megakaryocytes and platelets for IgG receptor (FcR), complement receptor type one (CR1) (C3b receptor), complement receptor type two (CR2) (C3d receptor), and Ia antigen by fluorescence and (or) rosette formation methods were performed. FcR were present on most human megakaryocytes and platelets. The Ia antigen was detected on a proportion (10-15%) of human megakaryocytes but it was undetectable on human platelets. CR1 was found on 20-40% of mouse megakaryocytes and also on a proportion of mouse platelets. These differentiation markers may be of use in monitoring megakaryocyte maturation.

Human megakaryocytes. II. Expression of platelet proteins in early marrow megakaryocytes.

Analysis of various platelet proteins by immunofluorescence demonstrated that platelet glycoproteins Ib, IIb, and IIIa, as well as plasma factor VIII antigen (factor VIII:AGN), platelet factor 4, and fibronectin are present in the vast majority of morphologically recognizable megakaryocytes. In addition, a small number of lymphoid-like mononuclear marrow cells, representing approximately 1.4--2.9/10(4) marrow cells, was found to express the same platelet proteins. This population of early marrow megakaryocytes is analogous to small acetylcholinesterase-positive rat and mouse marrow cells. Fc receptors for IgG were expressed in all megakaryocytes and megakaryocyte precursors, whereas the Ia antigen was detected only on a proportion of mature megakaryocytes and not on only early or precursor megakaryocytes. Platelet glycoproteins Ib, IIb, and IIIa, as well as factor VIII:AGN, and platelet factor 4 were established as distinct markers for marrow megakaryocytes and may be helpful for identifying megakaryocytic cells as well as for monitoring events of megakaryocyte differentiation.

Two different complement receptors on human lymphocytes. One specific for C3b and one specific for C3b inactivator-cleaved C3b.

IN THE PRESENT STUDY IT WAS SHOWN THAT NORMAL PERIPHERAL LYMPHOCYTES HAVE TWO DIFFERENT COMPLEMENT RECEPTORS: one for C3b (the immune adherence receptor) and one for C3b subsequent to its cleavage by C3b inactivator. The two receptors are not cross-reactive and were shown by tests with various antisera to be antigenically distinct. Both the immune adherence receptor and the receptor for C3b inactivator-cleaved C3b were found on normal peripheral lymphocytes and on cultured lymphoblastoid cells. In 15 out of 18 chronic lymphatic leukemia patients, the immune adherence receptor was either partially or completely missing from the peripheral lymphocytes, while the lymphocyte receptor for C3b inactivator-cleaved C3b was retained. Normal erythrocytes, on the other hand, were found to have only the immune adherence receptor. Granulocytes from normal peripheral blood appeared to have only a receptor for C3b and did not have a receptor for C3b inactivator-cleaved C3b.

The sequential appearance of Ia-like antigens and two different complement receptors during the maturation of human neutrophils.

Ia antigens and two different types of complement (C) receptors appeared on membrane surfaces in a distinct sequence during the maturation of human neutrophils. Taking advantage of the finding that neutrophil celll density increased with maturation, density gradient centrifugation was used to separate neutrophils into fractions that were greatly enriched in cells representing individual stages of differentiation. Myeloblasts, the earliest cells recognized in the myeloid series of both normal and myelogenous leukemic individuals, expressed Ia determinants, whereas Ia determinants were absent or diminished on the majority of promyelocytes and completely undetectable on more mature granulocytes. Double marker studies demonstrated that Ia determinants were lost from the membrane of developing myeloid cells before the appearance of any type of C receptor. In the next phase of maturation defined by surface markers, neutrophils acquired a CR2-type C receptor (C3d receptor) that was similar in specificity to CR2 of B lymphocytes. This stage of maturation approximately corresponded to the myelocyte-metamyelocyte stage defined by standard morphologic criteria, and preceded the third stage of surface marker maturation when developing neutrophils began to express CR1-type C receptors (immune adherence, C4b-C3b receptors) in addition to CR2. In the final stage of surface marker-defined maturation, CR2 was lost from high density polymorphonuclear neutrophils and CR1 was maximally expressed. Normal blood polymorphonuclear neutrophils contained only 17% of CR2-bearing cells and these were shown to be of lower density than the majority of neutrophils that expressed only CR1. There was some variation in the correlation of surface marker expression and maturation stage defined by morphologic criteria, but in all cases the sequence of marker appearance was the same: Ia leads to CR2 leads to CR1CR2 leads to CR1.

Membrane receptors of mouse leukocytes. II. Sequential expression of membrane receptors and phagocytic capacity during leukocyte differentiation.

Analysis of four mature cell markers on mouse bone marrow leukocytes grown in vitro, demonstrated a distinct sequence of marker appearance during the terminal phases of granulocytic cell differentiation. A similar pattern of marker expression was also suggested by analysis of mature neutrophils and macrophages isolated from normal tissues. Among cultured neutrophils, receptors for the Fc portion of IgG (FcR) were first expressed on myelocytes and metamyelocytes, and then subsequently on more mature cells. Morphologically mature colony neutrophils (polymorphs) from agar cultures contained only FcR and complement receptor type two (CR(2)) (C3d receptor), and lacked both complement receptor type one (CR(1)) (C3b receptor) and the capacity to ingest latex, bacteria, or iron particles. Neutrophils from 2 and 3 wk liquid media cultures of marrow cells differed from agar grown neutrophils in that they had phagocytic capacity (particle ingestion) [Pi] in addition to FcR and CR(2). Furthermore, in the 4th and 5th wk of these continuous liquid cultures, CR(1) was also expressed, completing the surface marker profile of normal blood neutrophils. Based on these studies, the following order of appearance of these four markers on cells from the myelocytic series was proposed: FcR {arrow} FcR CR(2) {arrow} FcR CR(2) Pi {arrow} FcR CR(2) Pi CR(1). Differential studies of tissue leukocytes containing these same markers revealed that a heterogeneity existed among morphologically mature neutrophils. Even though 95 percent of blood polymorphs contained all four markers, the same was true of only half of spleen polymorphs and only 20 percent of bone marrow polymorphs. Cells of the monocyte-macrophage series were studies in parallel with neutrophils. Cultured marrow monocytes acquired the four mature cell markers so rapidly that the order of receptor appearance could not be determined. However, it was found that CR2 was lost during the terminal phase of monocyte maturation into activated macrophages.

Human megakaryocytes. V. Changes in the phenotypic profile of differentiating megakaryocytes.

Human megakaryocytes were studied for phenotypic changes occurring throughout differentiation using a panel of monoclonal antibodies raised against marrow megakaryocytes and blood platelets. 11 monoclonal antibody preparations were selected for restricted specificity against megakaryocytes and/or platelets after screening by immunofluorescence, complement-mediated cytolysis, and solid phase enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The expression of the cellular epitopes recognized by these reagents enabled the identification of three levels of megakaryocyte maturation characterized by distinct immunologic phenotypes. Based upon their reactivities against megakaryocytic cells at different ontogenetic levels, monoclonal antibodies were operationally categorized into three groups. Group A consisted of six different monoclonal antibodies that recognized antigens on the colony-forming unit-megakaryocyte (CFU-Mk), in vitro grown colony megakaryocytes, and early immature marrow megakaryocytes, only, and did not detect their respective epitopes on either mature megakaryocytes or platelets. A monoclonal antibody categorized in group B detected a cell antigen expressed by megakaryocytic cells at all maturational levels, but which is lost or suppressed during terminal differentiation and is not expressed on blood platelets. Group C included four different monoclonal antibodies raised against platelets that recognized antigenic determinants expressed on the CFU-Mk, colony megakaryocytes, early and mature megakaryocytes, and platelets. Three group C monoclonal antibodies (PC-1, PC-3, and PC-4) were specific for platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa. Additionally, group C monoclonal antibody PC-2 was unique in that it showed partial reactivity against the clonable progenitor for the erythroid series (BFU-E). Recognition of discrete phenotypic changes in differentiating megakaryocytes will enable multiparameter analyses of these cells as well as the study of factors regulating the dynamics of megakaryocytopoiesis in health and disease.

Surface markers of complement receptor lymphocytes.

Normal blood lymphocytes bearing complement receptors (CRL) were divided into two populations, one expressing both CR1 (C4b-C3b receptor) and CR2 (C3d receptor) and a second expressing only CR1. Nearly all of the population that expressed both CR1 and CR2 also bore membrane surface immunoglobulins (Ig) and Ia antigens. The majority of cells that had only CR1 lacked detectable surface Ig. These Ig- CR1+ CR2- cells could be distinguished from the majority of monocytes and immature granulocytes, in that the latter ingested latex particles and expressed CR2 as well as CR1. The Ig- CR1+ cells were further subdivided into an Ia-bearing subpopulation and another that lacked Ia. Among the Ig- Ia- CR1+ cells, one third formed spontaneous rosettes with sheep erythrocytes while all of the remaining CRL were erythrocyte-rosette negative. Essentially all CRL in normal blood had IgG Fc receptors, but a qualitative heterogeneity in the Fc receptors of Ia+ CRL vs. Ia- CRL was observed in their binding of different immune complex systems.

Combined studies of complement receptor and surface immunoglobulin-bearing cells and sheep erythrocyte rosette-forming cells in normal and leukemic human lymphocytes.

Human lymphocytes from normal peripheral blood, thymus, spleen, thoracic duct, and peripheral lymphocytes from patients with chronic lymphatic leukemia were studied for complement receptor sites (CRL), surface immunoglobulin (SIg), and for the ability to form rosettes with sheep erythrocytes (TRFC). The two B cell markers (CRL and SIg) were found to be in overlapping, but not totally identical populations, whereas cells that were able to form rosettes were found in a totally unrelated population of lymphocytes; TRFC is therefore probably a reliable marker for T cells. In peripheral blood 24% of lymphocytes had SIg, but only half of these were also CRL. Almost all of the non-SIg peripheral blood lymphocytes were TRFC. In the spleen and thoracic duct only a few lymphocytes were observed that had SIg and were not CRL. On the other hand, in two of three spleens studied 10-20% of cells were CRL that did not have SIg. In the thoracic duct all non-CRL that did not have SIg. In the thoracic duct all non-CRL, non-SIg cells were TRFC. In chronic lymphatic leukemia three findings were made: (a) The presence or absence of CRL was independent of the presence or absence of SIg so that in individuals whose cells were non-SIg. CRL were usually plentiful. (b) Leukemic cells were essentially negative for TRFC. (c) Leukemic cells reacted poorly with human C3 compared to mouse C3, EACmo detecting up to 20-fold more CRL than EAChu. This latter finding was in sharp contrast to normal CRL that reacted somewhat preferentially with EAChu. These data suggest that altered surface Ig receptors and complement receptors are present in chronic lymphatic leukemic cells. Since the cells obtained from all leukemic patients tested in this study had either the complement receptor or surface immunoglobulin in a high percentage of their cells and were essentially negative for TRFC, it is strongly suggested that leukemic lymphocytes are of B cell origin. The finding of lymphocytes with only one of the two B cell markers suggests that these markers are not uniformly present on all B cells and that depending on the source, one or the other may be deficient.

Antigen heterogeneity of human B and T lymphocytes.

Rhesus monkeys were immunized with normal human lymphoid cells, cultured lymphoid cells, and chronic leukemic lymphocytes. Antisera were analyzed by cytotoxicity and immunofluorescence techniques to study the antigenic characteristics of human lymphocytes. In an attempt to obtain a reagent specifically reactive with T (thymus-derived) lymphocytes, an antispleen antiserum was absorbed with cellf from five B- (bone marrow-derived) cell lines. After absorption, the antiserum killed 60-75% of peripheral blood lymphocytes and 40-50% of tonsil cells, so that there was a relationship between the percentage of killed cells and the proportion of T lymphocytes. However, when cells after cytotoxic treatment were assayed for rosette formation with sheep erythrocytes (a T-cell marker) 5-20% of viable rosette-forming lymphocytes were found. Therefore, this antiserum was cytotoxic for only 75-90% of T cells. From studies performed with antisera prepared against spleen and B-cell lines, we conclude that lymphoblastoid cells are antigenically different and deficient in comparison to normal B lymphocytes. In addition, cultured B-cell lines appear to be antigenically heterogenous, as shown by the cytotoxic activity remaining in antispleen and anti-B-cell lines sera after absorption with various numbers and types of lymphoid cell lines. After absorption with normal lymphocytes, an antiserum produced against chronic lymphatic leukemia cells had specific activity associated with 12 chronic lymphatic leukemia cells tested. Absorption of the same antiserum with leukemic cells from two patients showed that a certain degree of antigenic heterogeneity also exists among chronic leukemic lymphocytes.

Human megakaryocytes. VII. Analysis of megakaryocytes for nuclear DNA content distribution in whole marrow cell suspensions by flow cytometry.

These studies were designed to quantitate and determine the DNA content distribution of human marrow megakaryocytes using whole bone marrow. Cellular DNA content within megakaryocytic cells was established by measuring propidium iodide staining in marrow cells expressing platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (Gp IIb/IIIa). These studies were based on the development of a method for rapid analysis of whole marrow cell preparations by a dual fluorescent system. DNA values ranging from 2 to 64 C were observed in all samples tested, with 16 C corresponding to the modal ploidy class representing almost one-half of the cells containing Gp IIb/IIIa. The second most frequent ploidy class corresponded to 32 C, followed by 8 C, with 20% and 15%, respectively. Virtually all high-ploidy megakaryocytes (greater than or equal to 8 C) were of low density (less than 1.050 g/cm3), whereas 2 and 4 C megakaryocytes were evenly distributed between less than or equal to 1.050 and greater than 1.050 g/cm3 marrow cells. These studies conclusively establish DNA content distribution of normal human marrow megakaryocytes and provide a basis for the study of states of altered megakaryocytopoiesis.

Human megakaryocytes. IV. Growth and characterization of clonable megakaryocyte progenitors in agar.

Human megakaryocyte progenitors were cloned in semisolid agar from unfractionated bone marrow cells and recognized by their capability of producing discrete megakaryocyte colonies. Megakaryocyte colonies were identified in situ by immunofluorescence, using antibodies against platelet glycoproteins Ib, IIb, and IIIa, as well as von Willebrand factor (vWf), which are regarded as distinct protein markers for the megakaryocyte-platelet lineage. Megakaryocyte colonies typically contained 20-50 cells arranged in compact configurations, with high nuclear-cytoplasmic ratios, diameters between 10 and 14 micron, and round, oval, or indented nuclei. Colony numbers peaked at days 6 and 7, with a mean of 17.9 megakaryocyte colonies (range, 8-33) per 2 X 10(5) unseparated marrow cells. The in vitro growth characteristics and kinetics of megakaryocytes grown in agar are different from those described for the plasma clot and methylcellulose systems, which suggests selection of distinct progenitor subsets. Consequently, this assay may be a useful complement to other approaches in characterizing the megakaryocyte progenitor population.

Occurrence of platelet basic protein, a precursor of low affinity platelet factor 4 and beta-thromboglobulin, in human platelets and megakaryocytes.

beta-thromboglobulin antigen, a platelet-specific secreted protein, occurs in three forms: platelet basic protein, low affinity platelet factor 4, and beta-thromboglobulin. The combined level of beta-thromboglobulin antigen in megakaryocytes, measured by radioimmunoassay, was 13 +/- 7 micrograms/10(6) cells (SD, n = 6). The relative proportions of the three forms of beta-thromboglobulin antigen present within platelets and megakaryocytes were determined in cells lysed with trichloroacetic acid to minimize artifactual proteolysis. Samples were analyzed by isoelectric focusing in polyacrylamide gel with quantitative immunological detection on a nitrocellulose transfer of the gel. In platelets, the major species found was low affinity platelet factor 4 with precursor platelet basic protein as only 25% +/- 11% (SD, n = 16) of total beta-thromboglobulin antigen. In megakaryocytes partially purified both from normal bone marrow aspirates and from whole marrow specimens obtained after surgery, platelet basic protein was a higher proportion of beta-thromboglobulin antigen (49% +/- 13% SD, n = 11) than was the case in platelets. beta-thromboglobulin itself was never detected under the conditions of cell lysis used. Our results suggest that platelet basic protein is synthesized in megakaryocytes and that its cleavage is associated with an earlier stage of cell development than simply maturation to platelets. Further support for the precursor status of platelet basic protein was found in the expression of predominantly this antigenic form in a human erythroleukemia cell line.

Familial essential thrombocythemia.

Primary or essential thrombocythemia is rarely observed in childhood, and familial occurrence has been reported only once. In this study, essential thrombocythemia is documented in five members of both sexes from two to 62 years of age in three successive generations. The propositus had a persistent elevation of the platelet count, splenomegaly, a normal hemoglobin level, a normal white blood cell count, and abnormal platelet aggregation. Platelet arachidonic acid metabolites assayed by high-performance liquid chromatography and serum thrombopoietin levels were normal. Megakaryocytes were increased in number and size. Both mature and early immature megakaryocytes, but no atypical megakaryocytes, were identified by surface immunofluorescence. Bone marrow cultures showed normal myeloid and erythroid colony formation, and chromosome studies revealed a normal female karyotype. These findings support the concept that familial essential thrombocythemia is a myeloproliferative disorder that is transmitted by an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance, and that untreated young women and children with essential thrombocythemia have long survival.

Platelet glycoproteins IIb and IIIa associated with blood monocytes are derived from platelets.

Platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (GP IIb/IIIa), the receptor complex for fibrinogen, has been regarded as a megakaryocyte/platelet lineage-restricted antigen. Recently, however, it has been reported that GP IIb/IIIa is expressed in blood monocytes. Studies were performed to establish the origin and immunological characteristics of monocyte-associated glycoproteins IIb and IIIa (GPs IIb and IIIa). Preparations of blood monocytes containing varying platelet-monocyte ratios were metabolically labeled with [35S]methionine with the expectation that any newly synthesized GPs IIb and IIIa would be monocyte-derived, since platelets have only rudimentary protein synthetic apparatuses. Analyses of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) gels of homogenates of cell preparations containing from 200 to 5:1 platelet-monocyte ratios revealed that unlabeled GPs IIb and IIIa were readily immunoisolated using protein A-Sepharose immunobeads. However, fluorographic analyses of the same cell preparations pulse-labeled with [35S]methionine failed to demonstrate synthesis of GP IIb or IIIa. Additionally, no GP IIb or IIIa was detected when immunoisolation was carried out in pure preparations of monocytes containing less than 1:100 platelet-monocyte ratios and SDS acrylamide gels were stained by the sensitive silver stain method. Furthermore, heterologous polyspecific antisera and two monoclonal antibody preparations against GPs IIb and IIIa, which bound to platelets, failed to bind to monocyte membranes. Thus, evidence was presented that indicated that monocytes do not synthesize platelet GPs IIb and IIIa and that detection of these molecules in blood monocyte preparations reflects platelet contamination.

Receptors for C3 and IgG on macrophage, neutrophil and eosinophil colony cells grown in vitro.

Macrophage, neutrophil, and eosinophil colony cells from bone marrow culture in semisolid agar medium were studied for membrane C3 and IgG receptors. The capacity of these cells to bind either erythrocytes-19S antibody-complement (EAC) or erythrocyte-7S antibody (EA7S) complexes was measured using the rosette method. Whereas macrophage and neutrophil colony cells showed receptors for both C3 and IgG, eosinophil colony cells appear to bear only IgG receptors. Studies correlating colony age and the presence of receptors showed that 60 to 70% of the cells from 3-day-old macrophage colonies were reactive for EAC and EA7S contrasting with 80 to 90% of the cells from 6- to 12-day-old colonies. Neutrophils behaved somewhat differently: EAC and EA7S reactive cells were seen in colonies after 4 or 5 days in culture and comprised only 50 to 60% of the colony population. Eosinophilic colonies showed 50 to 60% EA7S reactive cells after 6 to 7 days in culture, but no EAC reactive cells were found among these colonies at any time. The characteristics and properties of the receptors detected on colony cells were similar to those on macrophages and neutrophils from normal peritoneal fluid or bone marrow. Most macrophage colony cells were actively phagocytic whereas neutrophils and eosinophilic colony cells failed to show phagocytosis under the same conditions.

Maturation and regulation of megakaryocytopoiesis.

The in vitro cloning technique for detecting megakaryocyte precursor cells was employed to compare stimuli known to influence megakaryocytopoiesis. Preparations of thrombopoietic stimulating factor (TSF) did not directly stimulate the growth of megakaryocyte colonies (CFU-m) but increased the frequency of CFU-m when TSF was added to the cultures with a constant amount of megakaryocyte colony stimulating factor. Platelets or platelet homogenates did not influence the frequency of CFU-m or the size of individual colonies. Analysis of cell surface properties of megakaryocytes obtained either by isolation from bone marrow or from in vitro colonies revealed species differences. The possibility that megakaryocytopoiesis and platelet release are regulated both within the marrow as well as by humoral factors is discussed.

A spatial association between membrane IgD and the receptor for C3b (CR1) at the cell surface of murine B lymphocytes.

Surface immunoglobulin D (SIgD) and receptors for C3b (CR1) were demonstrated to be closely associated at the surface of mouse spleen lymphocytes. When SIgD was modulated by incubation at 37 degrees C with heteroantisera (rabbit) or monoclonal alloantibodies specific for delta-chains, the number of splenocytes capable of forming rosettes with EAC1-3b decreased by about 40%, whereas a smaller effect (13%) could be observed when EAC1-3d (indicators for CR2) were used. Antibodies to surface IgM were not inhibitory, ruling out the possibility of nonspecific inhibition of the C receptor sites by antigen-antibody complexes formed at the cell surface. In addition, co-capping of IgD and cR1 was observed on 65% of the cells expressing both markers. In these experiments IgM was shown to redistribute independently from both CR1 and CR2. CR2 and IgD also capped independently. Taken together with the observations that IgD and CR are ontogenetically related and that they have in common certain biologic properties (such as sensitivity to proteolytic enzymes and rate of turnover), these data suggest a functional relationship between the 2 surface receptors. A possible role in the mechanism of B lymphocyte triggering is discussed.

Proliferation and differentiation of normal granulopoietic cells in continuous bone marrow cultures.

Modified conditions are reported for successful continuous bone marrow cultures with stem cell self-renewal and granulocyte-macrophage differentiation. Cells cultured over several weeks were found to be identical to freshly isolated bone marrow cells. Polymorphic neutrophils derived from cultures and primary bone marrow neutrophils both showed C3 AND IgG receptors and both actively phagocytosed foreign particles. Cultured and normal CFU-c were identical, both in their dose responsiveness to CFS and in their sedimentation rate characteristics.

Membrane receptors of mouse leukocytes. I. Two types of complement receptors for different regions of C3.

Mouse leukocytes were studied for membrane receptors for the third C component by rosette formation with C coated erythrocytes (EAC). Methods were devised for the preparation of EAC complexes containing either mouse C3b or mouse C3d. EAC 1-3dmo were prepared from EA treated with whole mouse serum while EAC 1-3bmo were produced from EAC 142hu treated with whole mouse serum containing sodium suramin. The specificity of the EAC complexes for mouse leukocytes was confirmed by inhibition experiments using fluid phase human C3d. Low concentrations of fluid phase human C3d inhibited EAC1-3dmo rosettes but failed to inhibit EAC 1-3bmo rosettes. Eight-fold higher concentrations of fluid phase C3d caused partial inhibition of EAC1-3bmo rosette formation with lymphocytes, but not with other types of murine leukocytes. Thus mouse leukocytes apparently contain the same two types of C receptors as do human and guinea pig leukocytes. Mouse CR1 is specific for a non-C3d region of C3b, (possibly analogous to human C3c) whereas mouse CR2 is specific for both C3d and the C3d region of C3b.

Histidine-rich glycoprotein is present in human platelets and is released following thrombin stimulation.

Histidine-rich glycoprotein, and alpha 2-glycoprotein in human plasma, has been shown to interact with heparin, with the high-affinity lysine-binding site of plasminogen, with divalent cations, and is associated with the rosette formation between erythrocytes and lymphocytes. A specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for histidine-rich glycoprotein has been developed and used to demonstrate that histidine-rich glycoprotein is present in human platelets. Histidine-rich glycoprotein was detected and quantified in detergent extracts of washed human platelets, with a mean level of 371 ng/10(9) platelets. Plasma histidine-rich glycoprotein, either in the platelet suspending medium or on the surface of the platelets, accounted for less than 3.4% of the detectable platelet histidine-rich glycoprotein. Histidine-rich glycoprotein was also demonstrated in human bone marrow megakaryocytes by immunofluorescence. The extent of histidine-rich glycoprotein release from platelets was dependent on the thrombin dose and correlated directly with the extent of serotonin release. The platelet and plasma histidine-rich glycoprotein were similar by immunochemical analysis. Anti-histidine-rich glycoprotein IgG did not inhibit platelet aggregation. Histidine-rich glycoprotein released by platelets following thrombin stimulation may play a significant role in modulating inflammatory events in the microenvironment of the platelet plug.