Disaggregation of aggregated platelets by apyrase from the tick, Ornithodoros savignyi (Acari: Argasidae)

Apyrase, secreted by ticks during feeding, is a platelet aggregation inhibitor that functions as a regulator of the host's hemostatic system. This present study concerns the disaggregation effect of salivary gland apyrase from the tick Ornithodoros savignyi. Secondarily aggregated platelets, disaggregated by apyrase, exhibited a reversal of shape from a spherical (aggregated) form to a discoid form, reminiscent of reversible aggregation at low ADP concentrations in citrated platelet-rich plasma. However, they showed a dilatory open canaliculary system and an absence of granules indicating disaggregation after degranulation had taken place. In contrast, disaggregation by the fibrin(ogen)olytic enzyme, plasmin, showed that platelets degranulated, but retained a spherical form with numerous extended pseudopods. While thrombin had no effect on aggregation or clotting of platelets disaggregated with plasmin, it did activate those platelets disaggregated with apyrase and clotted the plasma. This is the first study to describe the disaggregating effects of tick derived apyrase on aggregated platelets. It also shows that apyrase can disaggregate platelets even after secondary aggregation and degranulation of platelets has taken place. Platelet aggregation is one of the main barriers encountered by ticks during feeding and counteraction of this process by ticks is an important factor for successful feeding.