Stimulation of human platelets by collagen occurs by a Na+/H+ exchanger independent mechanism

Sodium-hydrogen exchange and platelet function

On stimulation of platelets with agonists, for example, thrombin, a rapid rise in intracellular pH is observed. This alkalinization is mediated by an increase in transport activity of the Na(+)/H(+) exchanger isoform NHE1. In addition to this Na(+)/H(+) exchange mechanism, platelets express bicarbonate/chloride exchangers, which also contribute to pH(i) homeostasis. The main functions of NHE1 in platelets include pH(i) control, volume regulation, and participation in cell signaling. The isoform NHE1 is highly sensitive toward inhibition by EIPA, Hoe694, and Hoe642. The regulation of NHE1 activity is complex and is not completely understood. It includes the MAP kinase cascade, the Ca/calmodulin system, several heterotrimeric G proteins (Galpha12, Galpha13, Galphaq, and Galphai), small G proteins (ras, cdc42, rhoA), and downstream kinases (e.g., p160ROCK). Volume challenges stimulate tyrosine phosphorylation of cytoplasmic proteins, which ultimately activate NHE1. Thrombin, thromboxane, platelet-activating factor, angiotensin II, endothelin, phorbol ester, and Ca(2+) ionophors stimulate NHE1 activity in platelets. Blockade of platelet NHE1 can inhibit platelet activation. With the development of highly specific NHE1 inhibitors, detailed investigation of the relationships between NHE1 activity and platelet activation now becomes feasible.

Effects of L- and D-arginine and some related esters on the cytosolic mechanisms of alpha-thrombin-induced human platelet activation

1. In Fura-2 preloaded human platelets, the increase in cytosolic calcium induced by alpha-thrombin was reduced by some L- and D-arginine ester compounds the IC50 (microM) values of which were 7.4 for TAEE, 56.9 for BAEE, 77.6 for TAME, 560 for T(d)AME, 656.3 for L-ArgOMe and 2206.7 for D-ArgOMe. alpha-tosyl-L-Arginine, L- and D-arginine were inactive. 2. The inhibitory activity of the L-arginine esters was not modified when platelets were pretreated with 100 microM N omega-monomethyl-L-arginine. 3. The L-arginine esters did not increase cyclic GMP content in platelets either in the presence or absence of indomethacin and apyrase at rest and after alpha-thrombin stimulation. 4. The kinetic parameters of platelet Na+/H+ antiporter (amiloride-inhibitable, evaluated after cytosolic nigericin-induced acidification) were modified by L- and D-arginine esters, while the native amino acids were ineffective. 5. The inhibitory effects of the L- and D-arginine esters on platelet activation appear to be mainly due to their inhibitory effect on Na+/H+ antiporter.

Thrombin signalling in U937 human monocytic cells is coupled to inositol phosphate formation but not to thromboxane B2 synthesis nor to inhibition of adenylate cyclase: distinct differences in thrombin signalling between U937 cells and platelets

The blood coagulation factor, human thrombin has been shown to have chemotactic and mitogenic effects on mononuclear phagocytic inflammatory cells. In the present study, we have used the U937 human monocytic cell line to explore the signal transduction mechanisms utilised by thrombin in these cells. In U937 cells differentiated into a macrophage-like phenotype, thrombin stimulated the formation of inositol trisphosphate (IP3) and the mobilisation of intracellular Ca2+ [( Ca2+]i) via a mechanism which was partially sensitive to pertussis toxin. Thrombin failed, however, to evoke thromboxane (Tx) B2 synthesis in the differentiated cells. In contrast, the chemotactic peptide N-formyl-L-methionylleucyl-L-phenylalanine (FMLP) stimulated TxB2 synthesis under conditions where it evoked increases in IP3 formation and [Ca2+]i mobilisation, via a pertussis toxin-sensitive mechanism, comparable in extent to those mediated by thrombin. Thrombin also failed to cause inhibitory guanine nucleotide binding protein (Gi)-mediated inhibition of adenylate cyclase activity in U937 cell membranes. These results indicate that U937 cells express receptors for thrombin which are in part coupled via a pertussis toxin-sensitive guanine nucleotide binding protein to phospholipase C activation, the formation of IP3 and the mobilisation of [Ca2+]i. However, the failure of thrombin to stimulate TxB2 synthesis or cause Gi-mediated inhibition of adenylate cyclase in U937 cells contrasts with its effects in human platelets and other thrombin-responsive cells. These results suggest that the thrombin receptor or receptor-effector coupling mechanism(s) in mononuclear cells is functionally distinct from the thrombin receptor or receptor-effector coupling mechanism(s) present in other thrombin-responsive cells.