Selective PF₄ Release In Vitro Induced by Heparin and Related Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) - Correlation with β-TG Release and Platelet Aggregation

Summary

We studied human platelet aggregation and β-TG/PF₄ release induced by heparin and related GAGs in vitro both in normal PRP and in PRP after aspirin. In our experimental conditions, heparin and related GAGs always caused PF₄ release in vitro from normal platelets, whether or not there was measurable platelet aggregation in the aggregometer. Significant β-TG release was induced only by the mucosal heparin preparation (which also induced platelet aggregation in some citrated PRP). Therefore, while β-TG release in vitro seems to correlate with platelet aggregating activity of heparin, the selective PF₄ release, caused by heparin and related GAGs also in conditions in which neither platelet aggregation nor β-TG are measurable, is probably associated with the high affinity of PF₄ for heparin. The degree of affinity of GAGs for PF₄ (heparin > DeS > HS) seems to correlate with PF₄ release. Moreover, the significant reduction in PF₄ release in vitro after aspirin suggests that GAGs-induced PF₄ release is related to a cyclooxygenase-dependent activation process.

Key Words

Heparin - Glycosaminoglycans - Platelet aggregation - Beta-thromboglobulin - Platelet factor 4 - Platelet release

• References

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