Leukocyte-leukocyte interactions mediated by platelet microparticles under flow

Platelet microparticles (PMPs) are released from activated platelets and express functional adhesion receptors, including P-selectin, on their surface. PMP concentrations are elevated in many disorders, and their role in accelerating coagulation has been studied. However, their role in leukocyte aggregation has not been defined. We hypothesized that P-selectin-expressing PMPs bridge leukocytes that express P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1), thereby allowing them to interact under flow conditions. PMPs were isolated from platelet-rich plasma or were generated by activating washed platelets with calcium ionophore. PMPs increased transient adhesion of flowing HL-60 cells or neutrophils to HL-60 cells or neutrophils prebound to the surface of a parallel plate flow chamber. Homotypic neutrophil interactions are initiated by the binding of L-selectin to PSGL-1. However, even when L-selectin function was blocked, PMPs allowed flowing neutrophils to aggregate and to interact with PSGL-1-expressing cells prebound to the surface of the flow chamber. The microparticle-mediated cell interactions occurred at lower shear stresses than those mediated by L-selectin. PMPs may enhance leukocyte aggregation and leukocyte accumulation on selectin-expressing substrates, especially in diseases where the concentration of the particles is elevated. (Blood. 2000;95:1317-1323)