Characterization of cytoadhesion molecules on human monocytes and tissue macrophages

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Updated: Sep 14, 2026

Quantitation of Endothelial Cell Adhesiveness In Vitro
10:24

Quantitation of Endothelial Cell Adhesiveness In Vitro

Published on: June 18, 2015

B Nakstad1, T Lyberg

  • 1Department of Pathology and Surgery, Ullevål University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.

Thrombosis Research
|October 1, 1990
PubMed

Insights

Monocytes and tissue macrophages, including lung alveolar macrophages (LAM) and peritoneal macrophages (PM), express proteins similar to platelet GPIIb/IIIa. This suggests these antigens are constitutively present on monocytes and their tissue-derived macrophages.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Platelets express the GPIIb/IIIa complex, crucial for aggregation.
  • Tissue macrophages are derived from monocytes.
  • The expression of platelet-related antigens on macrophages is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence of GPIIb/IIIa-like antigens on lung alveolar macrophages (LAM), peritoneal macrophages (PM), and monocytes.
  • To determine if these antigens are expressed constitutively on monocytes and their tissue-derived macrophages.

Main Methods:

  • Used polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies against human platelet GPIIb/IIIa and vitronectin receptor (VnR).
  • Analyzed bronchoalveolar lavage cells (BAC) and ultrasedimentable fractions (US) using immunogold labeling, alkaline phosphatase immunostaining, immunofluorescence, and immunoprecipitation techniques.
  • Examined LAM, PM, and monocytes.

Main Results:

  • Bronchoalveolar cells (BAC) and ultrasedimentable fractions (US) reacted with anti-GPIIb/IIIa and anti-VnR antibodies.
  • Positive membrane staining for GPIIb/IIIa-like antigens was observed on LAM, PM, and monocytes.
  • Immunoprecipitation confirmed the presence of these antigens in BAC and US extracts.

Conclusions:

  • Monocytes and their tissue-derived macrophages (LAM, PM) constitutively express GPIIb/IIIa-like antigens on their membranes.
  • The findings suggest these antigens are intrinsic to monocytes and macrophages, not due to platelet contamination.

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