Platelet-induced expression of tissue factor procoagulant activity in freshly isolated human mononuclear cells:

S R Meisel1, M Shechter, X-P Xu

  • 1Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Atherosclerosis Research Center, Cedar-Sinai Burns & Allen Research Institute, Israel. meisel@netvision.net.il

Insights

Monocyte tissue factor expression is enhanced by platelet interaction. Density gradient centrifugation activates platelets, potentially influencing monocyte tissue factor procoagulant activity in isolated cell studies.

Area of Science:

  • Hematology
  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Monocytes express tissue factor (TF) upon cytokine stimulation or endothelial adherence.
  • Monocyte-platelet interactions are increasingly recognized as significant in hemostasis and inflammation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate monocyte-platelet interaction in vitro as a trigger for monocyte TF enhancement.
  • To evaluate the impact of density gradient centrifugation on monocyte and platelet activation.

Main Methods:

  • Human mononuclear cells were isolated using density gradient centrifugation.
  • Cellular tissue factor procoagulant activity (TF-PCA) was measured using a one-stage recalcification clotting time assay.
  • Flow cytometry (CD61, CD62, CD14) was used to quantify platelets, activated platelets, and monocytes.

Main Results:

  • A significant positive correlation was observed between normalized TF-PCA and platelet count in isolated mononuclear cells (r = 0.43, P < 0.001).
  • Density gradient centrifugation led to significant platelet activation (52% vs. baseline 4.2%) and monocyte activation (53% CD62+ monocytes vs. baseline 5%).
  • Platelet activation, particularly with adenosine diphosphate (ADP), significantly increased monocyte TF-PCA.

Conclusions:

  • Density gradient centrifugation activates platelets, which in turn can promote TF-PCA expression in monocytes.
  • The adhesive interaction between activated platelets and monocytes is a critical factor influencing TF-PCA in isolated cell suspensions.
  • Researchers should consider the impact of platelet activation during isolation techniques when studying monocyte TF expression.

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