Monoclonal antibodies against platelet membrane glycoproteins. Characterization and effect on platelet function

The specificity of five monoclonal antibodies (P1-P6) against platelet surface components was determined by immunoprecipitation of surface-labelled platelets from normal donors and patients with known platelet glycoprotein defects, followed by analysis by gel electrophoresis. Three (P2, P4 and P6) precipitated glycoproteins IIb and IIIa and, in addition, P2 precipitated glycoprotein Ia. P1 precipitated normally only glycoprotein Ib also Ia when the platelets were pretreated with neuraminidase. P3 precipitated principally glycoprotein Ia but glycoprotein Ib was also weakly precipitated. The effects of the monoclonals on platelet function were tested. P1 and P2 completely inhibited and P3 slightly inhibited thrombin-induced platelet aggregation. P2 also inhibited collagen-induced aggregation and partially inhibited ADP-induced platelet aggregation. P3, P4 and P6 partially inhibited ADP-induced platelet aggregation. None had any effect on ristocetin-induced aggregation despite P1 and P3 binding to glycoprotein Ib. These results confirm the role of glycoproteins IIb and IIIa in aggregation induced by various agents and suggest that the function of glycoprotein Ib in thrombin-induced aggregation is more important than previously suspected and that glycoprotein Ia may also be involved in platelet functions.

A radioimmunoassay for thrombospondin, used in a comparative study of thrombospondin, beta-thromboglobulin and platelet factor 4 in healthy volunteers

A radioimmunoassay was developed for the platelet alpha-granule protein thrombospondin; concentrations of thrombospondin as low as 3 ng ml-1 could be measured. There was no interference from other components of human biological fluids and no crossreactivity with beta-thromboglobulin (beta-TG) or platelet factor 4 (PF4). Plasma samples were stable when stored at -20 degrees C. Normal human plasma contained 105.0 +/- 31.0 ng thrombospondin ml-1 compared with beta-TG concentrations of 37.2 +/- 10.9 ng ml-1 and PF4 concentrations of 14.7 +/- 10.1 ng ml-1 when samples were carefully taken into a platelet inhibitor cocktail and processed at 0-4 degrees C. Release of thrombospondin during clotting of blood occurred at the same time as that of beta-TG and PF4 and resulted in a serum concentration of 17.5 +/- 5.5 micrograms ml-1. Assay of whole blood gave a platelet thrombospondin content of 89.1 +/- 28.3 ng/10(6) platelets. The concentration in normal urine fluctuated widely from 3 to 22.5 ng ml-1, and was unrelated to urine flow. The half-life of thrombospondin in vivo was about 9 h, much longer than that of either beta-TG or PF4. Unlike PF4, it was not released into the blood following an intravenous heparin injection. Bovine, ovine, canine and porcine sera contained thrombospondin which crossreacted immunologically with the human molecule; these species would be suitable animal models for the study of thrombospondin and its value as a platelet release marker.

Antibodies against platelet membrane glycoproteins. III. Effect on thrombin-and bovine Von Willebrand factor-induced aggregation

Glycocalicin has been proposed as the common platelet receptor for both ristocetin-human VIIIR:WF and thrombin-induced platelet aggregation. Platelets which have lost glycocalicin do not respond to either ristocetin-human VIIIR:WF or bovine VIIIR:WF. Using antibodies to the platelet membrane glycoproteins Ia and Ib, IIb and IIIa, and glycocalicin we show that the Fab' fragments of anti-glycoproteins Ia and Ib and anti-glycocalicin IgG totally inhibited bovine VIIIR:WF-induced platelet aggregation, while those from anti-glycoproteins IIb and IIIa IgG were without effect. Thrombin-induced platelet aggregation was strongly inhibited by the Fab' fragments of anti-glycoproteins Ia and Ib IgG and anti-glycocalicin IgG, indicating that these glycoproteins play a major role in thrombin-platelet interaction. Fab' fragments of anti-glycoproteins IIb and IIIa IgG inhibited thrombin-induced platelet aggregation to a lesser extent implying that these glycoproteins are also somehow involved in the platelet response to thrombin perhaps as fibrinogen receptors. The data presented here give further support to the proposal that ristocetin-human VIIIR:WF and bovine VIIIR:WF share a common receptor on the platelet surface and indicate that this structure plays an important role in thrombin-induced platelet responses.

Improvement of the periodate-borohydride surface-labeling method for human blood platelets

The periodate/sodium boro[3H]hydride ([3H]-NaBH4) method is extensively used for the specific labeling of cell surface glycoproteins. Reduction with tritiated borohydride is also used in other surface-labeling techniques, the neuraminidase/galactose oxidase/[3H]-NaBH4 method (specific for terminal galactose and N-acetyl-galactosamine residues) and the pyridoxal phosphate/[3H]-NaBH4 method (specific for protein). By modification of the reaction conditions during the periodate-oxidation and borohydride-reduction, the ratio of the incorporated to the total added radioactivity could be increased by a factor of 50, while the specific activity of the labeled material was twice as high as in the original method. Alternatively, by another modification, the specific activity of the labeled material could be increased about 10-fold. The influence of the most important parameters was investigated in detail. Sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis and fluorography demonstrate that the labeling pattern of the membrane glycoproteins is the same as with the conventional method.

Surface labeling of human platelets by reductive methylation

A simple, reproducible method for the specific labeling of the surface proteins of human platelets with tritium is described. The labeled platelets were analyzed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (isoelectric focusing/sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis) followed by fluorography and the results compared with those obtained by conventional methods. Reductive methylation gave an intense labeling of membrane glycoproteins. There was no cross-linking of the labeled membrane proteins by formaldehyde nor could clear evidence be found that inner proteins were labeled by permeation of the reagents through the plasma membrane. As well as previously described platelet membrane glycoproteins, several others could be detected that were not invariable seen using labeling techniques.

Tryptic peptide map analysis of the major human blood platelet membrane glycoproteins separated by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis

Washed platelets were surface-labelled by lactoperoxidase catalyzed iodination and either the platelets or membranes were solubilized in detergent and applied to a wheat germ agglutinin-Sepharose column and a Lens culinaris lectin Sepharose column coupled sequentially. The glycoproteins eluted from the lectin columns were separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Alternatively, labelled whole platelets or membranes were solubilized and then directly separated by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Spots corresponding to specific glycoproteins identified by apparent isoelectric point (pI), apparent molecular weight (Mr), staining and labelling characteristics were cut from the gels and analyzed by tryptic peptide mapping. The maps of the individual glycoproteins(GP) Ia, Ib, IIa, IIb, GP4-4.5 132-135, IIIa, IIIb and IIIc were all different. Glycoproteins with the same Mr but different pI were distinct with the exception of regions of GP Ib. There were minor differences in the maps of glycoproteins separated in the reduced or non-reduced state. Tryptic peptide maps provide a valuable additional parameter for the identification and characterization of platelet glycoproteins.

Characterization of the platelet membrane glycoprotein abnormalities in Bernard-Soulier syndrome and comparison with normal by surface-labeling techniques and high-resolution two-dimensional gel electrophoresis

The platelets from three patients with Bernard-Soulier syndrome have been analyzed by surface-labeling coupled with two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and compared with normals. As well as the previously described absence or deficiency in glycoprotein (GP) Ib(alpha) it could be shown that GP Ib beta and an additional low molecular weight glycoprotein GP17 were not detectable using carbohydrate-labeling methods or deficient to the same extent as the GPIb alpha subunit. In addition, the thrombin cleavable glycoprotein could not be detected using carbohydrate-labeling methods in two patients and was deficient in a third. This finding was confirmed in a fourth patient by one-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Thus, the changes in the membrane of Bernard-Soulier platelets are more complex than previously thought.

Comparison of the major membrane glycoproteins and proteins of human, rabbit and rat blood platelets

Rabbit and rat blood platelets behave differently from human platelets in response to a number of aggregating agents. The aim of this work was to compare platelet membrane glycoproteins (GP) and proteins of these 3 species and relate these results to physiological functions. Washed platelets were surface labelled by techniques specific for their oligosaccharide (sialic acid, galactose/N-acetyl galactosamine) or protein moieties, and separated on a high resolution Laemmli SDS polyacrylamide gel. Higher labelling of terminal galactose/N-acetyl galactosamine residues was obtained for rat and rabbit platelets as compared to human. Glycoproteins of rabbit and rat platelets migrating at the same position as the most sialylated human platelet GP (Ib), were insignificantly labelled. However, in rabbit and rat platelets, the most sialylated GP were located at an apparent molecular weight (Mr) similar to and above human Ia, and part of this GP was lost in the supernatant in the presence of 0.002 M Ca++. Rat membrane proteins having a similar Mr to iodinated human platelet membrane proteins (IIb, IIIa) were weakly labelled in contrast to rabbit membrane proteins. These studies demonstrate differences between the platelet membrane protein and GP composition of rabbit, rat and human platelets, which may explain some of the differences observed in vitro with aggregation responses in these species.

Antibodies against platelet membrane glycoproteins. II. Influence on ADP- and collagen-induced platelet aggregation, crossed immunoelectrophoresis studies and relevance to Glanzmann's thrombasthenia

In Glanzmann's thrombasthenia glycoproteins IIb and IIIa are missing or strongly reduced and aggregation to ADP, collagen and thrombin is impaired. Antibodies against glycoproteins IIb and IIIa did not entirely induce a thrombasthenia-like state in normal platelets. However, they did strongly inhibit collagen-induced aggregation and inhibited the second wave of aggregation induced by ADP. Crossed immunoelectrophoresis studies using Triton X-100 extracts of whole platelets with these antibodies gave a single immunoprecipitate. This immunoprecipitate was absent when similar studies were carried out with thrombasthenic platelets. Platelet antibodies gave a number of immunoprecipitates with normal platelets and differences were observed with thrombasthenic platelets, the most notable of which was a marked reduction in one of the major immunoprecipitates. These results provide further evidence that glycoproteins IIb and IIIa are involved in the latter stages of platelet aggregation.

Antibodies against platelet membrane glycoproteins. I. Crossed immunoelectrophoresis studies with antibodies that inhibit ristocetin-induced platelet aggregation

Platelet membrane glycoproteins have been isolated by lectin-affinity chromatography and antibodies prepared against them. Platelets that have lost glycocalicin no longer respond to ristocetin-human VIIIR:WF, bovine VIIIR:WF, or to glycocalicin or glycoproteins Ia and Ib antibodies but are still agglutinated by glycoproteins IIb and IIIa antibodies. Glycoproteins Ia and Ib and glycocalicin antibodies, IgG and Fab' fragments, inhibited ristocetin-human VIIIR:WF-induced aggregation of fixed, washed platelets and of platelets in plasma while glycoproteins IIb and IIIa antibodies were without effect. Cross immunoelectrophoretic studies showed that glycocalicin was present on whole platelets in only trace amounts. Glycocalicin antibodies, however, recognized a slower migrating component. Platelets incubated in an EDTA-free medium no longer respond to ristocetin-human VIIIR:WF. Membranes isolated from such platelets contained glycocalicin which cross-reacted with a remnant of the slower migrating component. Glycoproteins Ia and Ib antibodies gave more complex patterns but it was possible to identify the slower moving component recognized by the glycocalicin antibodies. These results show that glycocalicin is not normally found as such on whole platelets but is present as a precursor which is most likely glycoprotein Ib. On degradation of this precursor, glycocalicin is released from the membrane and VIIIR:WF-receptor activity is lost.

Glycoproteins of platelet membranes from Glanzmann's thrombasthenia. A comparison with normal using carbohydrate-specific or protein-specific labelling techniques and high-resolution two-dimensional gel electrophoresis

Platelets from Glanzmann's thrombasthenia patients and from normal donor were surface labeled by techniques specific for sugars (terminal sialic acid, penultimate galactose/N-acetylgalactosamine) and proteins (tyrosine-histidine residues). These labelled platelets were solubilized in sodium dodecyl sulphate and separated on a two-dimensional electrophoretic system [O'Farrell. P. H. (1975) J. Biol. Chem. 250, 4007--4021] first according to their isoelectric point (pI) and then according to their molecular weight. In addition, unlabelled sodium-dodecyl-sulphate-solubilized platelets were separated on a two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel and the glycoproteins were identified by binding of 125I-labelled Lens culinaris lectin (specific for mannose and glucose). In one Glanzmann's thrombasthenia patient glycoproteins IIbA1 and IIIaA1 were absent and in two others lower amounts of two glycoproteins were found in positions similar or close to these two membrane glycoproteins. The terminal sialic acid moieties of major glycoproteins (IbA1, IbB1 and IIIbA1) were more intensely labelled in Glanzmann's thrombasthenia than in normals and these glycoproteins had an altered pI. A glycoprotein tentatively designated as Ic/IIa(?) had an altered pI and was labelled more intensely in Glanzmann's thrombasthenia platelets than in normals. A number of low-molecular-weight glycoproteins (IVa, IVb, VII) and one high-molecular weight glycoprotein normally found in platelets of healthy donors were reproducibly not detected in Glanzmann's thrombasthenia platelets. These results obtained by a combination of highly sensitive techniques strongly indicate that in Glanzmann's thrombasthenia the absence or reduction of two major membrane glycoproteins (IIbA1, IIIaA1) is not the only defect but that there appears to be a profound perturbation of the platelet membrane surface.

Relationship between glycocalicin and glycoprotein Ib of human platelets

Asialoglycoprotein Ib and asialoglycocalicin have been isolated from the membranes and from the supernatant, respectively, after sonication of neuraminidase-treated platelets, by lectin affinity chromatography on peanut agglutinin. The isolated asialoglycoprotein Ib had an apparent molecular weight of 160,000 when not reduced and 150,000 when reduced, whereas the asialoglycocalicin had an apparent molecular weight of 150,000, both reduced and unreduced, on sodium dodecyl sulfate/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Both preparations contained only trace amounts of impurities. The asialoglycoprotein Ib and asialoglycocalicin in both the unreduced and reduced states were separated by gel electrophoresis, radioiodinated in gel slices, and digested with trypsin, and the digests were analyzed by two-dimensional high-voltage electrophoresis and thin-layer chromatography followed by autoradiography. The tryptic peptide maps showed great similarities between glycocalicin and glycoprotein Ib, with the latter (both unreduced and reduced) containing additional peptides, supporting the idea that glycocalicin is derived from glycoprotein Ib. The unreduced glycoprotein Ib contained additional peptides compared to the reduced due to the disulfide-bond-linked beta component. There were also slight differences between unreduced and reduced glycocalicin, indicating that at least one intramolecular disulfide bond is present.

Studies on platelet glycoproteins in Glanzmann's thrombasthenia using 125I-labelled lectins

Glycoproteins (GP) of Glanzmann's thrombasthenia (GT) and normal platelets were separated on sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) polyacrylamide slab gels and identified by their binding of 125I-labelled lectins having different sugar specificities. This highly sensitive technique showed that in thrombasthenic platelets, glycoproteins in the positions of IIb and III (IIIa) were greatly reduced when compared to normal platelets. After incubation with neuraminidase, IIb became undectable. GT platelet glycoproteins I, IV (IIIb), and high molecular weight GPs bound 125I-lectins more strongly than those in normal platelets, showing that there are drastic changes in the carbohydrate moieties of these major GPs.

Characterization of human blood platelet membrane proteins and glycorproteins by their isoelectric point (pI) and apparent molecular weight using two-dimensional electrophoresis and surface-labelling techniques

Intact human blood platelets were radioactively labelled at the surface by techniques specific for proteins or glycoproteins. Labelled platelet samples were analyzed by a high-resolution two-demensional separation system involving isoelectric focusing in the first dimension and discontinuous sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the second. The major platelet membrane glycoprotein (GP) bands (Ib, IIb, IIIa and IIIb) were found to be highly heterogeneous even after removal of terminal sialic acid residues. Lactoperoxidase-catalyzed iodination of platelets showed that the major labelled proteins (Ib, IIb, IIIa and IIIb) had altered isoelectric points (pI) and molecular weights after neuraminidase treatment. A number of membrane glycoproteins previously undetected by one-dimensional gel electrophoresis were demonstrated and good evidence provided that the major platelet surface proteins are glycosylated.

Human blood platelet membrane glycoproteins. Resolution in different polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic systems

The separation of the major platelet membrane glycoproteins of normal subjects and subjects with well defined platelet membrane glycoprotein abnormalities have been examined using four different polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic techniques (continuous and discontinuous). The mobilities of the resolved glycoprotein bands have been correlated with the glycoprotein nomenclature proposed for the conventional sodium dodecyl sulphate-phosphate buffer system. Since the glycoprotein distribution varies depending on the system used, the merits of each method should be considered before application to a specific problem.

High resolution two-dimensional gel electrophoresis of the proteins and glycoproteins of human blood platelets and platelet membranes

The proteins and glycoproteins of human blood platelets and platelet membranes in both the reduced and the unreduced states have been analysed by isoelectric focusing and sodium dodecyl sulphate-discontinuosus polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in a two-dimensional technique. Gels which had been stained with periodic acid-Schiff's reagent could be counter-stained with Coomassie Brilliant Blue, simplifying the recognition of components which stain with both reagents. The major glycoproteins and some of the proteins have been identified and the characteristics of the membrance and of the whole platelet components established in this system.

Human platelet membrane receptor for bovine von Willebrand factor (platelet aggregating factor): an integral membrane glycoprotein

The platelet membrane receptor for bovine von Willebrand factor, platelet aggregating factor, has been reported to be a property of a soluble glycoprotein, glycocalicin, that is loosely attached to the platelet surface and represents one of the major glycoproteins of the platelet glycocalyx. The studies reported here, however, demonstrate that fractions from human platelets containing glycocalicin have no bovine von Willebrand factor receptor activity. Instead, only fractions containing platelet membranes have receptor activity. By using a nonionic detergent, Brij 99, active receptor can be solubilized from the membrane. Some quantitation of the intact or solubilized receptor activity is possible because the aggregation curves produced by mixtures of various dilutions of membranes and a constant concentration of standard normal bovine plasma are linear when plotted against the logarithm of the concentration of receptor. The dose-response curve obtained with Brij 99-solubilized membranes is not parallel to that obtained with intact membranes. Lectin-specificity studies of the bovine von Willebrand factor receptor, soluble in Brij 99, demonstrate binding to a wheat germ agglutinin-Sepharose 4B affinity gel but little or no binding to similar affinity gels of concanavalin A or Lens culinaris lectin. By using wheat germ agglutinin-Sepharose 4B as a lectin affinity column, partial purification of the receptor is possible. Stability studies of the receptor in intact membranes show essentially no loss of activity for at least 6 days when membranes are stored at 4 degrees C in buffers containing 1 mM EDTA. One freezing and thawing cycle results in minimal loss of initial activity but the receptor activity of the thawed material is less stable over time than is fresh material. Repeated freezing and thawing destroys the activity and, once lost, it can not be recovered, even with detergents.

Studies on the mechanism of ristocetin-induced platelet agglutination: binding of ristocetin to platelets

Ristocetin was trace-labeled with [3H] by the reductive methylation method. It was shown to agglutinate human platelets in the presence of VIIIR:WF in a manner indistinguishable from unlabeled ristocetin. The binding of the labeled ristocetin to normal and enzyme-modified human platelets was studied both in the presence and absence of VIIIR:WF and at nonagglutinating and agglutinating concentrations of ristocetin. Virtually no difference in [3H]ristocetin binding was seen whether VIIIR:WF was present or not. Platelets treated with chymotrypsin, which destroys their ability to agglutinate to VIIIR:WF and ristocetin, did not bind less ristocetin than did control platelets. A pronounced, direct relationship was found between [3H]ristocetin bound by normal platelets and total ristocetin concentration. This implies that at the higher (agglutinating) concentrations of ristocetin either more binding sites are exposed or, more probably, aggregation of ristocetin occurs.

The stimulation of a T cell response in the syngeneic host by the P-815 mastocytoma cell and the isolation of a tumor-associated antigen which has some H-2 antigen characteristics

Although not obviously immunogenic when developing intraperitoneally or subcutaneously, the P-815 mastocytoma cell induces a significant immune response when injected intradermally into the syngeneic host. In some animals the immune reaction leads to spontaneous tumor regression and survival of the animals, but in most cases the effectively initiated immune-reaction is abrogated by as yet unknown mechanisms. The T cell is identified as the killer cell both in vivo and in vitro during the described period of immune reactivity. By means of two antibodies from two different species, rendered specific for the P-815 tumor cell by in vivo absorption in DBA/2 mice, two distinct antigens have been identified, isolated and partially purified from P-815 cell membranes. One of them is obviously different from H-2 antigens, the other one shows striking similarities with H-2 antigens (molecular weight, lectin binding properties), but does not coprecipitate with H-2 antigens in an indirect precipitation assay, using Staph. aureus Cowan I as the Fc-binding agent.

Isolation of the membrane glycoproteins of human blood platelets by lectin affinity chromatography

The major platelet membrane glycoproteins have been solubilized in 1.0% sodium deoxycholate and subjected to affinity chromatography on the lectins from Lens culinaris, wheat germ and Abrus precatorius. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence and absence of a reducing agent together with the differential binding of the lectins to the glycoproteins permitted the distinction of at least seven separate glycoprotein entities. A new nomenclature for the glycoproteins is proposed to accomodate the additional data. Using combinations of lectin columns, glycoproteins Ia and Ib could be prepared in a pure state and IIb and IIIa could be greatly purified. The binding of lectins to glycoprotein Ib has been strongly implicated as a necessary step in the aggregation response of platelets to lectins.

Platelet membrane glycoproteins implicated in ristocetin-induced aggregation. Studies of the proteins on platelets from patients with Bernard-Soulier syndrome and von Willebrand's disease

The antibiotic ristocetin only aggregates platelets in the presence of plasma von Willebrand factor. Platelets from patients with Bernard-Soulier syndrome do not aggregate upon addition of ristocetin although, in contrast to von Willebrand's disease, plasma levels of factor VIII complex (factor VIII clotting activity, von Willebrand factor activity, and von Willebrand antigen) are normal. The membrane surface of normal platelets was modified and compared to the surface of platelets from a patient with Bernard-Soulier syndrome in an attempt to identify the receptor involved in von Willebrand factor-ristocetin-induced aggregation. After the incubation of washed normal platelets with a preparation of ristocetin previously shown to contain a proteolytic contaminant, the aggregation response is significantly decreased on addition or normal plasma. Analaysis by gel electrophoresis of such platelets when stained for carbohydrate revealed a decrease in the relative amounts of membrane glycopro-eins. Chymotrypsin-treated normal platelets had less membrane glycoproteins in addition to giving a reduced aggregation response in ristocetin-induced aggregation. Staining of gels for protein and carbohydrate indicated that there was an extensive change in the surface of Bernard-Soulier platelets, whereas those from patients with von Willebrand's disease appeared the same as normal. Platelets from patients were labeled by the lactoperoxidase iodination technique. Not only was the relative intensity of staining of platelet-specific proteins and glycoproteins changed in Bernard-Soulier platelets, but the iodination of the glycoproteins on the membrane surface relative to other membrane constituents was lower. In contrast, platelets from patients with von Willebrand's disease showed a normal exposure of membrane components. These data suggest therefore that membrane glycoproteins may play a functional role in ristocetin-induced aggregation.