Inhibition of platelet aggregation by a whole cell extract from strains of group B streptococcus

A whole cell extract (HCl-Ext) from strains of group B streptococci (GBS) possessing fibrinogen binding activity prevented the platelet aggregation induced with adenosine 5'-diphosphate (ADP), collagen and thrombin, while aggregation by epinephrine and ristocetin was slightly inhibited and arachidonic acid-induced platelet aggregation was not affected whatsoever. When the HCl-Ext was added after commencement of the aggregation, deaggregation was observed in cases induced by ADP, collagen, and thrombin. By precoating the washed platelets with HCl-Ext, both of ADP- and collagen-induced platelet aggregation were suppressed. The active factor in the HCl-Ext seemed to be undialyzable, trypsin-susceptible, and proteinaceous substance, unlike GBS polysaccharide type antigen.