Functional expression of cysteinyl leukotriene receptors on human platelets

Normal peripheral blood leukocytes, such as basophils, eosinophils, B lymphocytes and monocytes/macrophages, have a cysteinyl leukotriene 1 (CysLT1) receptor, while the cysteinyl leukotriene 2 (CysLT2) receptor is expressed in cardiac Purkinje cells, endothelium, brain and leukocytes. However, it is unknown whether or not platelets express the CysLT1 or CysLT2 receptor. In this study we identify and characterize the biological function of the CysLT receptor of human platelets. We determined the CysLT1 or CysLT2 receptor mRNA expression in normal human platelets by RT-PCR and determined protein expression by Western blotting and flow cytometry. Moreover, we examined the effect of cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs) in platelets on the induction of RANTES (Regulated on Activation, Normal T Expressed, and presumably Secreted). We also investigated whether the CysLT1 receptor antagonist pranlukast inhibits CysLT-induced RANTES release. In conclusion, we showed the functional expression of CysLT receptors on human platelets and demonstrated that CysLTs induced the release of significant amounts of RANTES, which suggests a novel role for human platelets in CysLT-mediated allergic inflammation.