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Updated: Jun 18, 2026
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Comprehensive Analysis of Procoagulant Platelets Exhibiting Features of Necrosis, Apoptosis and Platelet Activation
Published on: May 23, 2025
Anandamide extends platelets survival through CB(1)-dependent Akt signaling
Maria Valeria Catani1, Valeria Gasperi, Daniela Evangelista
1Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy.
Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences : CMLS
|November 26, 2009
Summary
Platelets survive longer in the body than in storage due to anandamide (AEA). This endocannabinoid activates pathways that regulate platelet lifespan, offering potential improvements for platelet collection and clinical applications.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Hematology
Background:
- Platelets stored at 22°C lose viability at 37°C, yet survive 8-10 days in vivo.
- This discrepancy is attributed to storage-related factors affecting platelet viability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of anandamide (AEA) in platelet survival at physiological temperature (37°C).
- To explore the molecular mechanisms by which AEA influences platelet lifespan and apoptosis.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic protein expression in human platelets incubated at 37°C.
- Treatment with anandamide (AEA) and its analogue, methanandamide, to assess effects on platelet lifespan.
- Investigation of signaling pathways, including Akt activation and Bad phosphorylation, following AEA treatment.
Main Results:
- Incubation at 37°C increased pro-apoptotic proteins (caspases, Bax, Bak) and decreased Bcl-xL, altering the Bcl-xL/Bak ratio.
- AEA and methanandamide extended platelet lifespan without reversing the Bcl-xL/Bak ratio changes.
- AEA activated Akt, leading to Bad phosphorylation and modulation of Bcl-2 family interactions.
Conclusions:
- Anandamide (AEA) plays a crucial role in maintaining platelet viability at 37°C.
- AEA's mechanism involves Akt-mediated regulation of Bcl-2 family proteins, influencing platelet survival.
- These findings suggest potential applications for AEA in improving platelet storage and clinical use.
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