Effects of fish oil on serum lipids in men during a controlled feeding trial.

Effects of fish-oil (FO) feeding on serum lipids were investigated in a 42-d controlled diet study. Fifteen healthy male college students were assigned to one of three groups: control (0 g FO); 5 g FO, supplying 2 g n - 3 (omega-3) fatty acids (FAs); or 20 g FO, supplying 8 g n - 3 FAs. In an initial 7-d period subjects consumed a basal diet with no FO. Then FO replaced an equivalent amount of margarine for 5 wk. FO feeding significantly (p less than 0.05) decreased the serum n - 6 FAs, linoleic acid, eicosatrienoic acid, and arachidonic acid. A significant increase in the n - 3 FAs, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, was noted in serum, platelet, and neutrophil phospholipids. The 20-g-FO group showed a 30% decrease (p less than 0.01) in triglycerides after 2 wk FO with no further decrease observed. Thus, 20 g FO produced changes in both FA patterns and triglyceride concentrations whereas 5 g FO produced changes in FA patterns only. Neither FO amount resulted in significant changes in total or HDL cholesterol, apolipoprotein A-I, or apolipoprotein B-100.

The effect of different agitation modes on platelet metabolism, thromboxane formation, and alpha-granular release during platelet storage.

Platelet concentrates (PCs), prepared by plateletpheresis, were stored in aliquots in polyvinylchloride blood bags for 5 days at 22 degrees C under rapid, slow, or no agitation. Nonagitated PCs were also stored in a 98-percent oxygen atmosphere. In nonagitated PCs, pO2, lactate production, and platelet factor 4 (PF 4) concentration increased, whereas the ATP level and pH dropped rapidly. These changes were somewhat minimized in nonagitated PCs stored in oxygen. There was no significant difference between the two agitated groups. The increase in PF 4 correlated inversely to the decrease in ATP: r = -0.91, p less than 0.001, n = 24. The formation of thromboxane B2 (TxB2) after stimulation with arachidonic acid or collagen was significantly higher in slowly agitated PCs on Day 5 than on Day 0 (p less than 0.01). Nonagitated PCs produced lower levels of TxB2 (collagen stimulation) on Day 5 (p less than 0.05). In unstimulated PCs, the levels of TxB2 and ATP were inversely correlated on Day 5 (r = -0.70, p less than 0.001, n = 20). In vivo survival was performed after 72 hours of storage; mean survival (+/- SD) was 6.5 (+/- 0.3) days for nonagitated oxygenated PCs and 6.8 (+/- 0.7) days for agitated PCs. In nonagitated PCs, anaerobic metabolism increased, although oxygen diffusion through the container wall was sufficient. Agitation seems to facilitate the diffusion of oxygen through the storage medium. Nonagitated PCs were stored safely for 24 hours; this period can be extended to at least 72 hours when aerobic metabolism is maintained.

Molecular heterogeneity of the subclasses of islet-activating protein (pertussis toxin)-sensitive GTP-binding proteins in porcine thyroid tissue.

From porcine thyroid cell membranes, we purified five GTP-binding proteins (G-proteins); Nos. 1 to 3 have 41-kDa alpha-subunits, and Nos. 4 and 5 have 40-kDa alpha-subunits. They were chromatographically (Mono Q) separable and served as specific substrates for islet-activating protein (pertussis toxin). G-proteins 1 and 2 were indistinguishable from porcine brain Gi1 with respect to three criteria, i.e., mobility on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), pI of the ADP-ribosylated alpha-subunit, and immunoreactivity. G-protein 3 was identified as Gi3 by immunoreactivity. The SDS-PAGE and isoelectric focusing (IEF) analyses identified G-proteins 4 and 5 as being chromatographically heterogeneous subtypes of Gi2 in comparison with a pure porcine brain preparation. The IEF analysis also disclosed that each of the Gi1, Gi2, and Gi3 subspecies isolated in the present study has a minor component characterized by a slightly lower pI of its alpha-subunit. We conclude that porcine thyroid tissue contains at least Gi1, Gi2, and Gi3, and that each is made up of heterogeneous populations.

Platelet catecholamine contents are cumulative indexes of sympathoadrenal activity.

Blood platelets continually accumulate catecholamines (CA) from plasma. Plasma CA levels fluctuate rapidly, but platelet CA appear to have a slower turnover, making them potentially useful as long-term indexes of sympathoadrenal activity. We measured the effect of different types of human physical exertion on epinephrine (E), norepinephrine (NE), and dopamine (DA) and their sulfoconjugates in both plasma and washed platelets using a radioenzymatic assay. Acute strenuous exercise caused only a small (26%) rise in unconjugated plus sulfated platelet E, but regular training (140 +/- 30 km/wk) was associated with levels of platelet CA or CA sulfates 39-112% higher than controls. After completion of an ultramarathon (607-1,020 km in 6-8 days), platelet CA and CA sulfates were 139-405% higher than controls. Platelet CA declined over several days postrace, and the loss of platelet NE was significantly slower than the loss of platelet E. Plasma CA sulfates were significantly elevated in the runners, whereas plasma CA were normal apart from a transient elevation in NE postrace. Platelet CA levels provide a useful index of chronic sympathoadrenal activity but may be affected by changes in platelet turnover or activation.

Purification and characterization of a major phosphatidylserine-binding phosphoprotein from human platelets.

We describe the isolation, lipid-binding properties and partial amino acid sequence of PS-p68, a novel 68 kDa phosphatidylserine-binding protein from human platelets. PS-p68 is an abundant constituent of platelets, accounting for 0.5-0.75% of total cell protein. It was purified from platelet cytosol by affinity chromatography. Amino acid sequence analysis yielded no similarity to identified proteins. In contrast with most known phospholipid-binding proteins, PS-p68 does not bind Ca2+ and does not require Ca2+ for its binding of phosphatidylserine. Phosphatidylserine binding to PS-p68 was inhibited by phosphatidic acid and by alkylphospholipids. PS-p68 was isolated as a major phosphoprotein from 32P-labelled platelets and was found to function as a protein kinase C substrate in vitro. However, treatment of intact platelets with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, thrombin or carbacyclin did not increase PS-p68 phosphorylation. Platelets appear to be the only blood cells containing PS-p68, which was not detected in neutrophils, monocytes and lymphocytes.

Altered platelet alpha 2-adrenergic receptor binding sites in borderline personality disorder.

The authors found significantly fewer total platelet alpha 2-adrenergic receptor binding sites in 13 nonmedicated patients with borderline personality disorder than in 11 patients with borderline personality disorder who were receiving low doses of benzodiazepines and 18 nonpsychiatric control subjects. The two patient groups showed comparable degrees of depression as assessed by the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression. However, nonmedicated borderline patients were considerably more anxious than medicated patients, raising the possibility that lower alpha 2-adrenergic receptor binding in borderline personality disorder is related to anxiety.

Analysis of atherosclerosis susceptibility in mice with genetic defects in platelet function.

To determine whether platelets contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, we compared the severity of atherosclerosis in susceptible C57BL/6 mice carrying either a normal or a variant phenotype for platelet function. Five genetically distinct mutants with increased bleeding times and abnormal dense granules were used: maroon (ru-2mr), light ear (le), ruby eye (ru), beige (bg1), and pale ear (ep). After a 14-week consumption of an atherogenic diet, three mutants had significantly less disease involvement than the control: light ear, maroon, and ruby eye. In contrast, pale ear ahd lesions similar to control animals. After 48 weeks, the two mutants with the least degree of atherosclerosis at 14 weeks, light ear and ruby eye, showed greater than 50% survival. In contrast, no animals from the beige, pale ear, or the normal C57BL/6 strains survived. To determine whether a specific biochemical component of platelet function is related to atherosclerosis, we measured serotonin found in dense granules. Serotonin showed no correlation with each mutant's atherosclerosis susceptibility. These results indicate that some particular component of platelet function affects atherosclerosis. That component is intact in pale ear, moderately affected in beige and maroon, and severely affected in light ear and ruby eye. The identity of that component remains an interesting question whose answer may provide further insight into the atherosclerotic disease process.

Thrombospondin forms complexes with single-chain and two-chain forms of urokinase.

Thrombospondin (TSP), an adhesive glycoprotein found in platelets and extracellular matrix, has been shown previously to interact with plasminogen and tissue plasminogen activator, resulting in efficient plasmin generation. We now demonstrate specific complex formation of TSP with both the single-chain and two-chain forms of urokinase (scuPA and uPA). Binding of uPA and scuPA to immobilized TSP was detected and quantified using colorimetric immunoassays and a functional amidolytic assay. Binding was time and concentration dependent with apparent affinity constants of 40-50 nM. Binding was not affected by serine protease inhibitors, EDTA, or epsilon-aminocaproic acid. scUPA and uPA bound to TSP retained functional activity. Using a sensitive amidolytic assay we found that TSP. scuPA complexes were efficiently converted to TSP. uPA by catalytic plasmin concentrations. Additionally, TSP.uPA complexes were found to have plasminogen-activating activity equivalent to fluid-phase uPA and to be protected from inhibition by plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1, the major plasma and matrix plasminogen activator inhibitor. Using immunohistochemical techniques, we also demonstrated co-distribution of TSP and uPA in normal and malignant breast tissue. Complex formation of TSP with uPA may serve to localize, concentrate, and protect these enzymes on cell surfaces and within the extracellular matrix, thereby providing a reservoir of plasminogen activator activity.

Structural and functional comparison of the genes for human platelet factor 4 and PF4alt.

Platelet factor 4 (PF4) is a 70 amino acid heparin-binding protein released from the alpha-granules of activated platelets. Its exact biologic function is not known, although PF4 is a member of a multigene family involved in chemotaxis, coagulation, inflammation, and cell growth. We previously cloned the cDNA for human PF4 from a human erythroleukemic (HEL) cell expression library. We now report the isolation and sequence determination of the gene for human PF4. This gene contains three exons and spans approximately 1,000 basepairs (bp). Concurrently, we have cloned a highly homologous gene that we have called PF4alt. We show that PF4 and PF4alt are non-allelic genes: the human PF4 gene is encoded on a 10 kilobasepairs (kb) EcoRI fragment, and its DNA sequence agrees with protein and cDNA data for PF4, while PF4alt is encoded in a polymorphic 3 or 5 kb EcoRI fragment. Compared with PF4, this gene has 14% DNA and 38% amino acid divergence in the signal peptide region, and 2.6% DNA and 4.3% amino acid divergence in the coding region of the mature protein. PF4alt contains three amino acid substitutions (P58----L, K66----E, and L67----H) near the C-terminus, in a region known to be critical for PF4 function. Primer extension studies show the 5'-untranslated region of PF4 is 73 bp long. A TATA box is present 30 bp 5' to the transcription start site. A 90 bp stretch of pyrimidines (including 53 consecutive thymidine residues) begins at -227 bp and is analogous to a similar region of 30 residues 5' to the rodent PF4 gene. This pyrimidine-rich region is absent from the PF4alt gene; however, DNA homology exists between the two human genes in the 5'- and 3'-flanking regions and extends for over 3.6 kb. Alternating purine/pyrimidine tracts occur both 5' and 3' to PF4 and PF4alt but do not define the endpoints of the gene duplication, which extend beyond these sequences at least at the 5' end. Northern blot analysis using gene-specific oligonucleotides and platelet RNA showed an 800 or 900 nucleotide (n) message for PF4 and PF4alt, respectively. Northern blot and primer extension studies show that steady-state platelet PF4 mRNA levels are approximately one magnitude greater than PF4alt mRNA levels. Thus, these studies demonstrate that PF4alt mRNA is expressed in platelets. Whether PF4alt protein is expressed remains to be determined, and the nature of its biologic function needs to be studied.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Use of fluo-3 to measure cytosolic Ca2+ in platelets and neutrophils. Loading cells with the dye, calibration of traces, measurements in the presence of plasma, and buffering of cytosolic Ca2+.

A description is given of the methodology, and problems encountered, for the use of a new fluorescent Ca2(+)-indicator dye, fluo-3, in neutrophils and platelets. The higher Kd and longer excitation wavelength of fluo-3 can have significant advantages over fura-2. Although neutrophils and platelets are used as examples, these observations will be applicable to other cell types. The Kd of fluo-3 for binding Ca2+ at 37 degrees C was measured and found to be 864 nM; the previously published value was 400 nM at 22 degrees C. The Kd of fluo-3, like that of fura-2, is therefore very temperature-dependent. Protocols for loading cells, and preventing leakage of fluo-3, are described; probenecid, known to inhibit fura-2 leakage from cells, was found to be essential to get good fluo-3 signals from platelets. Calibration of fluo-3 fluorescence signals to [Ca2+] and methods for obtaining maximum and minimum fluorescence signals are described; these methods differ from those used with fura-2. Agonist-stimulated responses of fluo-3-loaded neutrophils and platelets are shown, and the calculated cytosolic [Ca2+] is comparable with that previously obtained with fura-2. Responses of cells in the presence of plasma are also shown; such measurements, unobtainable with quin2, fura-2 or indo-1, are possible with fluo-3, owing to its longer excitation wavelengths. Co-loading of cells with bis-(o-aminophenoxy)ethane-NNN'N'-tetra-acetic acid and fluo-3 is included as an example of how cytosolic [Ca2+] can be buffered and manipulated. Many of these observations will be of value when using fluo-3 (or other Ca2(+)-indicator dyes) in most cell types.

Preliminary studies of a platelet function disorder in Simmental cattle.

A bleeding disorder due to abnormal platelet function occurs in Simmental cattle. Whole blood from these animals underwent good clot retraction. Platelet aggregation in response to adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and collagen in a whole blood aggregation system was markedly impaired. Normal bovine platelets in a whole blood aggregation system showed very little aggregation in response to epinephrine and arachidonic acid. Aggregation in platelet-rich plasma was negligible in response to ADP, collagen and thrombin. Dense granule release of radiolabelled serotonin from the platelets of one affected cow was similar to that of normal bovine platelets. Platelet membrane glycoprotein electrophoresis with the platelets of one affected cow revealed no quantitative abnormalities. These findings reveal similarities and differences in thrombopathic Simmental platelet function when compared to human Glanzmann's thrombasthenia and Basset Hound thrombopathia.

Preliminary evidence of growth factor(s) from chicken thrombocytes--growth effects on chicken embryo fibroblasts culture.

The thrombocyte extracts (TE) and thrombocyte-secretion products (TSP) prepared from chicken peripheral blood were examined for the growth activity of chicken embryo fibroblasts (CEF). When the cells were incubated with TE and TSP, the enhancement of cell spreading was observed within one hour after seeding, but the control culture showed little spreading. Three to six days after cell seeding, the increase of the cell densities in the culture supplemented with TE and TSP was noticed in comparison with the culture without thrombocyte materials. The results strongly indicate the possibility for the presence of thrombocyte-derived growth factor(s) to CEF.

Cholesterol:phospholipid ratio is elevated in platelet plasma membrane in patients with hypertension.

The cholesterol:phospholipid ratio was measured in platelet plasma membrane, red blood cell (RBC) membranes, low density lipoprotein (LDL) and whole plasma in patients with primary hypertension and in matched normal controls. The cholesterol:phospholipid ratio was raised in the platelet membrane from hypertensive patients compared with that from normal controls (0.65 +/- 0.03 vs 0.53 +/- 0.02: mean +/- SEM; P less than 0.01). The ratio observed in RBC membranes, LDL and whole blood was similar in the two groups. If this abnormality in the lipid composition of platelet plasma membrane is present in other cells it could account for some of the changes in cell membrane function that have been described in hypertension.

Localization of fibrinogen during ADP- or thrombin-induced aggregation of washed rabbit platelets.

In contrast to human platelets, which aggregate poorly in response to ADP unless fibrinogen is present in the external medium, washed rabbit platelets form large aggregates in response to ADP without fibrinogen in the suspending medium. Addition of fibrinogen to the suspending medium of rabbit platelets frequently has little or no effect on the extent of ADP-induced platelet aggregation. We examined washed rabbit platelets by immunocytochemistry during ADP-induced aggregation and deaggregation and during thrombin-induced aggregation when the external medium did not contain added fibrinogen to determine if (a) fibrinogen was expressed on the surface of rabbit platelets that could support aggregation when the platelets were stimulated, or (b) fibrinogen secreted from the alpha granules supports platelet aggregation. Glutaraldehyde-fixed samples were prepared at different times after addition of ADP or thrombin, embedded in Lowicryl K4M, sectioned, incubated with sheep anti-rabbit fibrinogen, washed, reacted with gold-labeled anti-sheep IgG, and prepared for electron microscopy. The alpha granules of rabbit platelets were heavily labeled with immunogold; the platelet membrane was not labeled. During platelet aggregation and deaggregation in response to ADP, fibrinogen was not detectable on the platelet surface. In response to thrombin, large aggregates formed before fibrinogen was secreted from the alpha granules; fibrinogen was detectable focally at sites of granule discharge by 30-60 sec and fibrin formed by 3 min. Therefore, stimulated washed rabbit platelets can adhere to each other without large amounts of fibrinogen taking part in the close platelet-to-platelet contact, since aggregation occurs before detectable secretion, and large areas where the platelets are in contact are devoid of fibrinogen between the adherent membranes. Adhesion mechanisms not involving fibrinogen may support the aggregation of washed rabbit platelets.

Rapid purification and characterization of human platelet glycoprotein V: the amino acid sequence contains leucine-rich repetitive modules as in glycoprotein Ib.

Glycoprotein V (GPV) is a membrane-associated, 82 Kd platelet glycoprotein that is hydrolyzed during thrombin activation to yield 69 Kd fragment. We have developed a rapid and simple method for isolation of the protein from platelet extracts using a combination of gel permeation, anion-exchange, and lectin affinity chromatography. The partial amino acid sequence was determined by analysis of peptides generated by digestion of the S-carboxyamido-methylated protein with Achromobacter protease I or cyanogen bromide. The sequence shows a remarkable periodicity of leucine residues, which is homologous to the consensus sequence of a highly diversified protein super-family with a common repetitive module. Thrombin cleavage site was determined to be located at the C-terminal region of GPV by analysis of the products separated by sizing and reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography. By lectin blot analysis, the existence of mucin-type carbohydrate chains was indicated, as well as the existence of asparagine-linked carbohydrate chains shown by the amino acid sequence analysis. From these data, we report a structural model of GPV that is analogous to glycoprotein Ib.

Platelet coagulation factor XIa-inhibitor, a form of Alzheimer amyloid precursor protein.

An inhibitor of coagulation factor XIa was purified from serum-free conditioned medium of HepG2 liver cells. Platelets stimulated with thrombin or calcium ionophore (A23187) secrete a protein functionally and immunologically identical to the inhibitor, implying a role for this inhibitor in hemostasis. Analysis of the amino-terminal amino acid sequence and immunologic reactivity showed the inhibitor to be a truncated form of the Alzheimer's amyloid precursor protein that contains a Kunitz-type serine protease inhibitor domain and at least a portion of the amyloid beta protein. It inhibits factor XIa and trypsin with a Ki of 450 +/- 50 pM and 20 +/- 10 pM, respectively. Heparin (1 unit/ml) did not significantly effect inhibition of trypsin, but inhibition of XIa was 15 times greater (Ki = 25 +/- 15 pM) in the presence of heparin.