Thyrotrophin-releasing hormone decreases feeding and increases body temperature, activity and oxygen consumption in Siberian hamsters.

Thyrotrophin-releasing hormone (TRH) is known to play an important role in the control of food intake and energy metabolism in addition to its actions on the pituitary-thyroid axis. We have previously shown that central administration of TRH decreases food intake in Siberian hamsters. This species is being increasingly used as a physiological rodent model in which to understand hypothalamic control of long-term changes in energy balance because it accumulates fat reserves in long summer photoperiods, and decreases food intake and body weight when exposed to short winter photoperiods. The objectives of our study in Siberian hamsters were: (i) to investigate whether peripheral administration of TRH would mimic the effects of central administration of TRH on food intake and whether these effects would differ dependent upon the ambient photoperiod; (ii) to determine whether TRH would have an effect on energy expenditure; and (iii) to investigate the potential sites of action of TRH. Both peripheral (5-50 mg/kg body weight; i.p.) and central (0.5 microg/ml; i.c.v.) administration of TRH decreased food intake, and increased locomotor activity, body temperature and oxygen consumption in the Siberian hamster, with a rapid onset and short duration of action. Systemic treatment with TRH was equally effective in suppressing feeding regardless of ambient photoperiod. The acute effects of TRH are likely to be centrally mediated and independent of its role in the control of the production of thyroid hormones. We conclude that TRH functions to promote a catabolic energetic state by co-ordinating acute central and chronic peripheral (thyroid-mediated) function.

Involvement of 5-HT receptors in the regulation of food intake in Siberian hamsters.

The Siberian hamster provides a physiological model for understanding the hypothalamic control of energy metabolism as it undergoes annual photoperiod-regulated cycles of body weight (i.e. fattening in summer, and catabolism of fat stores in winter). As a first step to investigate whether enhanced serotonergic (5-HT) tone might underlie the catabolic processes in short days, we investigated whether serotonergic stimulation can produce catabolic actions in fat hamsters housed in long days. Acute treatment with the serotonin reuptake inhibitor (+/-) fenfluramine (8 mg/kg, i.p.) produced a prolonged, dose-dependent reduction in food intake in both photoperiods. Behavioural observations and radiotelemetry analyses revealed that this anorectic effect of fenfluramine was associated with short-term increases in locomotor activity and in core body temperature. In a subsequent series of studies, hamsters were pretreated with the 5-HT2C receptor antagonist SB242084 (4 mg/kg, i.p.). This 5-HT2C receptor antagonist completely blocked the anorectic actions of fenfluramine, but did not decrease the hyperthermia or hyperlocomotion induced by fenfluramine; thus, the anorectic actions of fenfluramine probably reflect actions via the 5-HT2C receptor. Consistent with these observations, treatment of hamsters with the 5-HT2C receptor agonist VER 3323 (10 mg/kg, i.p.) or the 5-HT1B/2C receptor agonist mCPP (3 mg/kg, i.p.) reduced food intake. The response to manipulation of serotonergic pathways was not affected by the ambient photoperiod in any of these studies. We conclude that the anorectic actions of fenfluramine are not an indirect consequence of serotonergic actions on arousal pathways, and that its actions on feeding in the Siberian hamster are most likely to be mediated by the 5-HT2C receptor.

Appositions between cocaine and amphetamine-related transcript- and gonadotropin releasing hormone-immunoreactive neurons in the hypothalamus of the Siberian hamster.

Recent in vitro studies have provided evidence that cocaine and amphetamine-related transcript (CART) pathways in the hypothalamus mediate the effects of leptin upon gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion. The aim of the current study was to use dual label immunofluorescence to investigate the anatomical basis of such a pathway. CART-ir processes were found extensively in regions where GnRH cell bodies where located. Analysis using confocal microscopy showed that the majority of GnRH neurons (62%) had close appositions from CART-ir processes. The proportion of GnRH-ir perikarya with CART-ir appositions was significantly higher (P<0.05) in neurons located in the diagonal band of Broca (70%) compared to those more caudally located in the preoptic area (53%). This anatomical evidence for close appositions between CART-ir processes and GnRH cell bodies supports the hypothesis that one mechanism by which leptin causes its effect on the GnRH pulse generator is indirectly via CART neurons, thus allowing information about nutritional status and body fat stores to be conveyed to the reproductive system.

Platelet glycoprotein V binds to collagen and participates in platelet adhesion and aggregation.

Glycoprotein V (GPV) is a subunit of the platelet GPIb-V-IX receptor for von Willebrand factor and thrombin. GPV is cleaved from the platelet surface during activation by thrombin, but its role in hemostasis is still unknown. It is reported that GPV knockout mice had a decreased tendency to form arterial occluding thrombi in an intravital thrombosis model and abnormal platelet interaction with the subendothelium. In vitro, GPV-deficient platelets exhibited defective adhesion to a collagen type I-coated surface under flow or static conditions. Aggregation studies demonstrated a decreased response of the GPV-deficient platelets to collagen, reflected by an increased lag phase and reduced amplitude of aggregation. Responses to adenosine diphosphate, arachidonic acid, and the thromboxane analog U46619 were normal but were enhanced to low thrombin concentrations. The defect of GPV null platelets made them more sensitive to inhibition by the anti-GPVI monoclonal antibody (mAb) JAQ1, and this was also the case in aspirin- or apyrase-treated platelets. Moreover, an mAb (V.3) against the extracellular domain of human GPV selectively inhibited collagen-induced aggregation in human or rat platelets. V.3 injected in rats as a bolus decreased the ex vivo collagen aggregation response without affecting the platelet count. Finally, surface plasmon resonance studies demonstrated binding of recombinant soluble GPV on a collagen-coupled matrix. In conclusion, GPV binds to collagen and appears to be required for normal platelet responses to this agonist. (Blood. 2001;98:1038-1046)

Proteolysis of the exodomain of recombinant protease-activated receptors: prediction of receptor activation or inactivation by MALDI mass spectrometry.

Protease-activated receptors (PARs) mediate cell activation after proteolytic cleavage of their extracellular amino terminus. Thrombin selectively cleaves PAR1, PAR3, and PAR4 to induce activation of platelets and vascular cells, while PAR2 is preferentially cleaved by trypsin. In pathological situations, other proteolytic enzymes may be generated in the circulation and could modify the responses of PARs by cleaving their extracellular domains. To assess the ability of such proteases to activate or inactivate PARs, we designed a strategy for locating cleavage sites on the exofacial NH(2)-terminal fragments of the receptors. The first extracellular segments of PAR1 (PAR1E) and PAR2 (PAR2E) expressed as recombinant proteins in Escherichia coli were incubated with a series of proteases likely to be encountered in the circulation during thrombosis or inflammation. Kinetic and dose-response studies were performed, and the cleavage products were analyzed by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Thrombin cleaved PAR1E at the Arg41-Ser42 activation site at concentrations known to induce cellular activation, supporting a native conformation of the recombinant polypeptide. Plasmin, calpain and leukocyte elastase, cathepsin G, and proteinase 3 cleaved at multiple sites and would be expected to disable PAR1 by cleaving COOH-terminal to the activation site. Cleavage specificities were further confirmed using activation site defective PAR1E S42P mutant polypeptides. Surface plasmon resonance studies on immobilized PAR1E or PAR1E S42P were consistent with cleavage results obtained in solution and allowed us to determine affinities of PAR1E-thrombin binding. FACS analyses of intact platelets confirmed the cleavage of PAR1 downstream of the Arg41-Ser42 site. Mass spectrometry studies of PAR2E predicted activation of PAR2 by trypsin through cleavage at the Arg36-Ser37 site, no effect of thrombin, and inactivation of the receptor by plasmin, calpain and leukocyte elastase, cathepsin G, and proteinase 3. The inhibitory effect of elastase was confirmed on native PAR1 and PAR2 on the basis of Ca(2+) signaling studies in endothelial cells. It was concluded that none of the main proteases generated during fibrinolysis or inflammation appears to be able to signal through PAR1 or PAR2. This strategy provides results which can be extended to the native receptor to predict its activation or inactivation, and it could likewise be used to study other PARs or protease-dependent processes.

GPV is a marker of in vivo platelet activation--study in a rat thrombosis model.

Thrombin plays a central role in the genesis of thrombotic events and is the most potent known platelet agonist. This enzyme activates platelets by cleaving G-protein coupled protease activated receptors (PARs) and by binding to glycoprotein (GP) Ib. Thrombin also cleaves platelet GPV to liberate a soluble 69 kDa fragment (GPVf1), leaving a 20 kDa fragment (GPVf2) attached to the membrane. The aim of this study was to assess the value of GPV as an in vivo marker of the activation of platelets by thrombin. Newly developed monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies recognizing rat GPVf1 and GPVf2 respectively were used to detect soluble GPV by ELISA and the new NH2-terminus exposed by thrombin using flow cytometry. These assays were employed in a rat thrombosis model designed to trigger thrombin formation in vivo. When thromboplastin (4.8 ml/kg/h) was infused for 30 min, thrombin generation was reflected by a rapid increase in thrombin-antithrombin (TAT) complexes in plasma and by the appearance of GPVf2 at the surface of circulating platelets. Simultaneously, GPVf1 disappeared from the surface of platelets and accumulated as a soluble fragment in plasma, where it was detected by GPV ELISA. These effects were inhibited by pretreatment of the rats with hirudin. Levels of plasma PF4 also increased in this model, but unlike GPV levels which returned slowly (> 2 hours) to baseline, PF4 had a very short half-life. In conclusion, GPV is cleaved by thrombin in vivo, circulates and is a reliable in vivo marker of the activation of platelets by thrombin. Monitoring of GPV levels in rats should be useful to evaluate the effects of antithrombotic and antiplatelet drugs, while further studies will be required to confirm the potential interest of GPV as a marker of thrombotic states in humans.

Role of the thalamic intergeniculate leaflet and its 5-HT afferences in the chronobiological properties of 8-OH-DPAT and triazolam in syrian hamster.

The 5-HT(1A/7) receptor agonist 8-hydroxy-2-[di-n-propylamino]-tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) has chronobiological effects on the circadian system and, in the Syrian hamster, it is known that serotonergic (5-HT) projections connecting the median raphe nucleus to the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) of the hypothalamus are a prerequisite for the expression of 8-OH-DPAT-induced phase advance of locomotor activity rhythm. We examined the possible involvement of the thalamic intergeniculate leaflet (IGL) in the phase-shifting properties of 8-OH-DPAT injections at CT7. Bilateral electrolytic lesions of the IGL blocked phase-shift responses to 8-OH-DPAT of the activity rhythm. Phase changes induced by injections of 8-OH-DPAT at CT7 and triazolam (Tz), a short-acting benzodiazepine, at CT6 were also studied after bilateral chemical lesion of the 5-HT fibres connecting the dorsal raphe nucleus (DR) to IGL. Destruction of 5-HT fibres within the IGL blocked the phase-shift response to Tz, but not the phase-shift response to 8-OH-DPAT. In conclusion, (a) IGL is essential for the phase-shifting effect of peripheral 8-OH-DPAT injections; (b) 5-HT fibres connecting DR to IGL are necessary for the expression of the phase-shifting effect of Tz but not of 8-OH-DPAT.

Measurement of GPV released by activated platelets using a sensitive immunocapture ELISA--its use to follow platelet storage in transfusion.

Thrombin, the most potent platelet agonist, plays a central role in haemostasis and in the occurrence of thrombotic events. This agonist activates platelets by cleaving the PAR G-protein coupled receptors and by binding to glycoprotein (GP) Ib and also cleaves GPV at the platelet surface to liberate the soluble 69 kDa fragment GPVf1. Monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) to GPV were developed as tools to study the mechanism of platelet GPV cleavage and measure release of GPV in pathological situations. Specificity of the MoAbs for GPV was confirmed by flow cytometry and immunoprecipitation of proteins from human platelets and Dami megakaryocytic cells. A sensitive immunocapture sandwich ELISA for soluble GPV was developed using two MoAbs recognizing different epitopes of GPV and purified platelet or recombinant GPV as reference protein. This ELISA was employed to determine the mean plasma concentration of GPV in 100 normal individuals (17.3 ng/ml), to demonstrate the dose-dependent release of GPVf1 from washed platelets stimulated with thrombin and to follow the progressive release of GPVf1 during storage of therapeutic platelet concentrates. The present report describes a sensitive GPV ELISA of direct application to survey the processing and storage of platelet concentrates for transfusion and of potential value to monitor platelet activation in thrombotic states.

In Syrian hamsters, 5-HT fibres within the suprachiasmatic nuclei are necessary for the expression of 8-OH-DPAT induced phase-advance of locomotor activity rhythm.

8-Hydroxy-2-[di-n-propylamino]-tetralin) (8-OH-DPAT), a 5-HT1A/7 receptor agonist, has a chronobiological effect on the circadian system. To identify how the 8-OH-DPAT exerts this effect, we specifically destroyed the serotonergic (5-HT) fibres connecting the median raphe nuclei (RN) to the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) of the hypothalamus by using microinjections of a neurotoxin 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine into the SCN. After administration of 8-OH-DPAT (0.1 ml, 5 mg/kg) at circadian time 7, the control and the 'partially-lesioned' animals showed a large phase-advance whereas in the 'well-lesioned' hamsters the phase-advances were significantly reduced or absent. The present study demonstrates that, in the Syrian hamster, the 5-HT fibres connecting the RN to the SCN are essential for the phase-shifting action of peripheral 8-OH-DPAT injections, and that the drug does very probably not exert its chronobiological effect directly onto SCN neurons but through receptors localized on median raphe nucleus neurons.

One-step assay for the determination of free protein S antigen in plasma using real-time biospecific interaction analysis.

Real-time biospecific interaction analysis based on optical detection by surface plasmon resonance was used to develop an accurate one-step method for the direct measurement of free protein S in human plasma. This assay was validated, compared with classical immunological methods and shown to be suitable for the routine clinical diagnosis of protein S deficiency. The method relies on the specific capture of free protein S directly from plasma by a monoclonal antibody (mAb), 34G2, immobilized on a sensor chip surface. A calibration curve was established with serial dilutions of standard plasma (working range 5-50%) and a linear relationship was found to exist between the relative response in resonance units (RU) and the concentration of free protein S expressed as percentage plasma dilution (r = 0.99). The specificity of the assay was confirmed using purified human protein S and polyethylene glycol treated plasma. In addition, it could be demonstrated that no dissociation of C4b-BP-protein S complexes occurred under the chosen experimental conditions. The technique was reproducible with inter-assay, intra-assay and inter-sensor chip variation coefficients of 1.5-5.4%, 2-3.1% and 4.4-4.9%, respectively, as evaluated in two different plasma samples. Since all tests are automatic and long series of analyses can be performed with the same sensor chip, the method was applied to the determination of free protein S antigen in plasma from 20 normal blood donors and 38 thrombophilic patients. Results displayed excellent correlation with those of free protein S enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (r = 0.99) and rocket immunoelectrophoresis of polyethylene glycol-treated plasma (r = 0.93).

Gene cloning of rat and mouse platelet glycoprotein V: identification of megakaryocyte-specific promoters and demonstration of functional thrombin cleavage.

Platelet glycoprotein (GP) V is a major surface protein cleaved during thrombin-induced platelet activation. GPV associates noncovalently with the GPIb-IX complex to form GPIb-V-IX, a receptor for von Willebrand factor and thrombin. We describe the cloning of the genes coding for rat and mouse GPV and compare them with the human gene. The two rodent genes have a similar structure and resemble the human GPV gene with a coding sequence (approximately 1,700 nucleotides) entirely contained in one exon and a single intron (approximately 900 nucleotides) in the 5' untranslated region. Both genes have megakaryocyte-type promoters with conserved tandem Ets and GATA recognition motifs and lack a TATA box. The mature rat and mouse proteins comprise 551 amino acids, have 70% sequence identity, and contain an additional 8-amino acid intracellular segment as compared with the human protein. As in human GPV, there is an NH2-terminal leucine-rich region of 15 repeats and a thrombin cleavage recognition sequence. Whereas the rat and human thrombin cleavage sites are similar, the mouse cleavage site resembles that of the human thrombin receptor. Functionality of these sites was demonstrated by thrombin cleavage of synthetic peptides and analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or mass spectrometry. Cleavage of native rat GPV was confirmed by means of a polyclonal antibody directed against the new NH2-terminal peptide exposed after thrombin cleavage. This antibody specifically recognized thrombin-activated rat platelets by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis. In addition, we raised monoclonal antibodies specific for rat GPV (88 kD), which recognized the NH2-terminal soluble fragment (70 kD) liberated after thrombin cleavage. Knowledge of these rodent GPV genes and availability of species-specific peptides and antibodies will be essential to further studies aiming to define the exact in vivo function of platelet GPV using animal models of thrombosis and gene inactivation experiments.

Species specific immunoassays to measure blood platelet and coagulation activation in the rat.

The purpose of this study was to develop specific and sensitive immunoassays to detect early indices of hypercoagulability in the rat. Rat platelet factor 4 (rPF4) and rat fibrinopeptide A (rFPA) assays, tools for the detection of activation of platelets and coagulation respectively, were designed using antibodies raised against purified rPF4 and against synthetic rFPA. The relevance of these new assays and of the commercially available ELISA kit for thrombin-antithrombin III (TAT) complexes was demonstrated in a rat model of a prethrombotic state induced by intravenous infusion of varying doses of thrombo-plastin (90 to 2400 microliters/kg/h). In this model, the immunoassays allowed simultaneous detection of low levels of rFPA and rPF4 which were correlated with fibrinogen and platelet consumption and TAT generation and further proved to be of higher sensitivity than the classical methods of platelet count or measurement of fibrinogen levels. Plasma concentrations of rFPA, rPF4 and TAT were dependent on infusion time and thromboplastin dose, while hirudin (1 mg/kg) prevented their appearance. Thus the new specific immunoassays for rPF4 and rFPA and the commercial human TAT assay represent useful tools for pathophysiological studies or the screening of antithrombotic drugs in rats.

Rat platelets contain glycosylated and non-glycosylated forms of platelet factor 4. Identification and characterization by mass spectrometry.

Platelet factor 4 is a heparin-binding protein released from the alpha granules of activated platelets. This study describes the purification and identification of two forms of rat platelet factor 4, the previously characterized non-glycosylated form of 7 kDa and an additional glycosylated form of molecular mass 9 kDa. The two proteins both neutralized the antithrombin-III-dependent inhibitory activity of heparin. Although their amino acid composition was found to be the same, in the N-terminal sequence of the 9-kDa protein, the second threonine residue could not be detected and a difference of 976Da was determined by mass spectrometry. After digestion with O-glycanase and sialidase, the two proteins showed the same molecular mass. Overall consideration of these data led to identification of the higher-molecular-mass protein as a glycosylated form of rat platelet factor 4 with O-glycosylation at the second N-terminal amino acid, while the structure of the oligosaccharide core was established by mass spectrometry and sugar differentiation with lectins. The two forms of platelet factor 4 are both present in platelets and secreted after platelet activation.

The Arg-4 mutant factor IX Strasbourg 2 shows a delayed activation by factor XIa.

We have characterized at the DNA and protein levels a mutant factor IX, factor IX Strasbourg 2, which is responsible for a severe form (< 0.01 U/ml) of haemophilia B. Factor IX Strasbourg 2 has a higher molecular weight than normal factor IX. A mutation G-->A at position 6365 of the gene was demonstrated by DNA sequencing and confirmed by restriction mapping which showed absence of a Hae III site. This leads to the substitution of glutamine for arginine at position -4 of the propeptide. Factor IX Strasbourg 2 was purified from plasma by DEAE Sepharose chromatography and immunoaffinity and relative to normal factor IX, binding of calcium to the mutant protein was clearly reduced in calcium lactate agarose gel. Quantification of gamma-carboxyglutamic acid residues gave about 50% carboxylation as compared to normal factor IX. Microsequencing of the NH2-terminal part of factor IX Strasbourg 2 confirmed the attachment of the propeptide and the mutation Arg-->Gln. Activation of factor IX Strasbourg 2 by purified factor XIa was found to be retarded as compared to normal factor IX, but after activation the mutant factor IXa was able to activate factor X. In conclusion, factor IX Strasbourg 2 circulates with the attached propeptide and shows reduced gamma-carboxylation and delayed activation by factor XIa but a normal capacity to activate factor X after total cleavage by factor XIa.

Screening of protein S deficiency using a functional assay in patients with venous and arterial thrombosis.

Protein S is the vitamin K-dependent cofactor of activated protein C which functions as a potent anticoagulant by degrading activated factors V and VIII in a Ca2+ and phospholipid-dependent reaction. Protein S circulates under two forms, free (approximately 40%) or bound to C4b-binding protein (C4b-bp); only the free form supports the cofactor activity for activated protein C. Total protein S antigen is usually measured by rocket immunoelectrophoresis. Free protein S antigen is measured by the same technique but after precipitation of the protein S-C4b-bp complex by PEG 8000. However, these immunological assays do not detect functional alterations of protein S which can be responsible for thrombosis. This paper describes a functional assay for free protein S based on its ability to promote the prolongation of clotting time following factor Va inactivation by activated protein C when coagulation is triggered by factor Xa. Using this assay a prolongation of about 100 s between 0 and 1 U/ml protein S is measured, allowing a reliable and rapid determination of functional protein S. The correlation coefficient between functional protein S and free antigenic protein S is 0.921. This functional protein S assay has allowed the detection of 34 cases of protein S deficiency, confirmed by immunological assays, and their classification. The striking observation is the high frequency (approximately 25%) of arterial thrombosis in these patients. The rapid determination of functional protein S in patients with venous or arterial thrombosis is of diagnostic interest and should allow the detection of mutant protein S in combination with an immunological assay.

Activation of human protein C by blood coagulation factor Xa in the presence of anionic phospholipids. Enhancement by sulphated polysaccharides.

The activation of protein C by thrombin is thought to occur at the endothelial cell surface in the presence of an essential membrane glycoprotein cofactor, thrombomodulin. In the present study it is demonstrated that, in the presence of hirudin, the most potent known inhibitor of thrombin, human protein C can be activated by human factor Xa (20 nM), but by a thrombomodulin-independent mechanism requiring only the presence of Ca2+ and phospholipid vesicles bearing a high proportion of negative charges (30-75% phosphatidylserine, depending on the conditions). At an optimal concentration of phosphatidylserine/phosphatidylcholine (1:1, w/w) of 75 microM, the apparent Km was 1 microM with a kcat. of 1 min-1. At 25 microM-phospholipid the Km was unchanged and the kcat. was 0.67 min-1. At either lipid concentration, increasing the density of negative charges by the adjunction of sulphated polysaccharides, like pentosan polysulphate or standard heparin at optimal concentrations of 2-5 micrograms/ml and 5-10 micrograms/ml respectively, resulted in a 4-fold increase of the kcat. without affecting the Km. Sulphated polysaccharides alone were poor promoters of protein C activation by factor Xa. In any case the presence of Ca2+ was essential, the dependence being sigmoidal with Hill coefficients ranging from 1.4 to 2.0. No significant activation of 4-carboxyglutamic acid-domainless protein C, a chymotrypic derivative lacking the phospholipid-binding domain, could be detected in the presence of phospholipids and Ca2+, with or without pentosan polysulphate. In a large molar excess, other phospholipid-binding entities like prothrombin fragments F1 or F1+2 could inhibit protein C activation by factor Xa, but pentosan polysulphate exerted a clear protective effect. Factor Xa irreversibly inhibited at its active centre, but not di-isopropyl phosphoro-thrombin, behaved as an inhibitor but in a more complex manner than simple Michaelis-Menten kinetics. Among several derivatives of pentosan polysulphate or of heparin which were tested, those having the higher degree of sulphation and/or molecular mass were the most efficient in enhancing the rate of activation of protein C by factor Xa in the presence of phospholipids. These results suggest that human factor Xa, at physiological concentrations, could activate human protein C in the presence of anionic phospholipids and that this activation could be potentiated by therapeutic concentrations of sulphated polysaccharides.

Interference of blood-coagulation vitamin K-dependent proteins in the activation of human protein C. Involvement of the 4-carboxyglutamic acid domain in two distinct interactions with the thrombin-thrombomodulin complex and with phospholipids.

Human protein C is the precursor of a serine proteinase in plasma which contains nine 4-carboxyglutamic acid residues and functions as a potent anticoagulant. It is activated by thrombin in the presence of an essential endothelial-cell-membrane glycoprotein cofactor, thrombomodulin. In a purified human system, vitamin K-dependent proteins such as factor X, prothrombin and prothrombin fragment 1 were able to inhibit protein C activation by the thrombin-thrombomodulin complex, using either detergent-solubilized thrombomodulin or thrombomodulin reconstituted into vesicles consisting of phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylserine (1:1, w/w). Factors VII and IX and protein S were much less efficient. Prothrombin fragment 1 behaved as a non-competitive inhibitor with apparent Ki values of 4 microM in the absence, and of 2-2.5 microM in the presence, of phospholipids. Heat decarboxylation of fragment 1 abolished its ability to interfere in protein C activation, and high phospholipid concentrations could attenuate its inhibitory effect and were responsible for a gradual loss of the non-competitive character. Fragment 1 also inhibited the activation of 4-carboxyglutamic acid-domainless protein C, a proteolytic derivative of protein C lacking the 4-carboxyglutamic acid residues, without any influence from phospholipids. At high thrombin concentrations, with respect to thrombomodulin, the inhibitory effect of fragment 1 was diminished. Fragment 1, at 3.8 microM, inhibited by 50% the activation of protein C (0.1 or 0.3 microM) by thrombin. These results suggest that the 4-carboxyglutamic acid domain of vitamin K-dependent proteins can act as a modulator of the protein C anticoagulant pathway through two distinct types of interaction. The functional 4-carboxyglutamic acid domain would be necessary to allow the enhancement of protein C activation in the presence of anionic phospholipids and it could recognize a phospholipid-independent binding site on the thrombin-thrombomodulin complex.