Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 7, 2026
08:04
Analyzing Platelet Subpopulations by Multi-color Flow Cytometry
Published on: June 10, 2025
A serotonin-induced N-glycan switch regulates platelet aggregation.
Charles P Mercado1, Maritza V Quintero, Yicong Li
1Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA.
Scientific Reports
|October 1, 2013
Summary
Elevated serotonin (5-HT) alters platelet N-glycans, switching from Neu5Ac to Neu5Gc. This change in platelet surface glycoproteins is linked to increased platelet aggregation and hypercoagulability.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Hematology
- Glycobiology
Background:
- Serotonin (5-HT) is a signaling molecule with concentration-dependent effects.
- Elevated plasma 5-HT accelerates platelet aggregation, leading to a hypercoagulable state.
- Platelet surface glycoproteins are implicated in aggregation, but their glycan content changes are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hypothesis that elevated plasma 5-HT modifies platelet surface N-glycan content.
- To determine if altered N-glycan profiles are associated with platelet aggregation.
Main Methods:
- Mass spectrometry was used to analyze N-glycans on surface glycoproteins of platelets from wild-type mice infused with saline or 5-HT.
- Expression and catalytic activity of Cytidine monophosphate-N-acetylneuraminate hydroxylase (CMAH) were assessed in platelets.
Main Results:
- Platelets from 5-HT-infused mice showed a switch in N-glycan content from N-acetyl-neuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) to N-glycolyl-neuraminic acid (Neu5Gc).
- Increased Neu5Gc on platelet surfaces resulted from enhanced CMAH catalytic function, not expression.
- The highest Neu5Gc levels were found in platelets from 5-HT-infused, 5-HT transporter-knock out mice.
Conclusions:
- Elevated plasma 5-HT levels are linked to altered platelet N-glycan composition, specifically increased Neu5Gc.
- This N-glycan abnormality may contribute to platelet aggregation and hypercoagulability.
- Platelet 5-HT receptors might influence CMAH activity, further impacting platelet function.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:22Formation of the Platelet Plug
The platelet phase, the second stage of hemostasis, commences around 15-20 seconds after an injury. It follows and overlaps with the vascular phase, during which blood vessels constrict to minimize blood loss.
As the injured blood vessel contracts, endothelial cells undergo contraction, revealing collagen fibers in the basement membrane and underlying connective tissue. Furthermore, the plasma membrane of endothelial cells becomes adhesive, preparing the site for platelet adhesion. Platelets...
As the injured blood vessel contracts, endothelial cells undergo contraction, revealing collagen fibers in the basement membrane and underlying connective tissue. Furthermore, the plasma membrane of endothelial cells becomes adhesive, preparing the site for platelet adhesion. Platelets...
01:20Antiplatelet Drugs: Prostaglandin Synthesis, P2Y12 and Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitors
Antiplatelet drugs emerge as frontline defenders against the insidious threat of thromboembolic diseases, where abnormal clots obstruct vital blood vessels. These drugs stand as bulwarks, inhibiting platelet aggregation and clot formation, thereby mitigating the risk of life-threatening conditions like myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease, and thrombotic strokes.
Prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors, exemplified by the widely known aspirin, wield their power by irreversibly acetylating...
Prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors, exemplified by the widely known aspirin, wield their power by irreversibly acetylating...
01:21G-protein Coupled Receptors
G-protein coupled receptors are ligand binding receptors that indirectly affect changes in the cell. The actual receptor is a single polypeptide that transverses the cell membrane seven times creating intracellular and extracellular loops. The extracellular loops create a ligand specific pocket which binds to neurotransmitters or hormones. The intracellular loops holds onto the G-protein.
01:18Structure and Function of Platelets
The cell fragments known as platelets are disc-shaped, with an average diameter of about 3 μm and a thickness of roughly 1 μm. They play a crucial role in the body's vascular clotting system, which also involves plasma proteins, blood cells, and blood vessel tissues.
Platelets are continually replenished, circulating in the bloodstream for 9-12 days before being removed by phagocytes, primarily in the spleen. A microliter of circulating blood contains between 150,000 and 450,000 platelets, with...
Platelets are continually replenished, circulating in the bloodstream for 9-12 days before being removed by phagocytes, primarily in the spleen. A microliter of circulating blood contains between 150,000 and 450,000 platelets, with...
01:17Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions
Integrins act both as extracellular input receivers and as intracellular processing activators. As their name suggests, integrins are entirely integrated into the membrane structure. Their hydrophobic membrane-spanning regions interact with the phospholipid bilayer's hydrophobic region. These membrane receptors provide extracellular attachment sites for effectors like hormones and growth factors. They activate intracellular response cascades when their effectors are bound and active.
Some...
Some...
01:23Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Serotonin Receptor Agonists
Serotonin, a crucial neurotransmitter synthesized by enterochromaffin cells, plays a cardinal role in regulating gastrointestinal (GI) motility. With over 90% of the body's total serotonin in the GI tract, its influence on digestive processes is profound. Serotonin is swiftly released upon various stimuli, such as food boluses or certain drugs, triggering intrinsic sensory neurons in the myenteric plexus and extrinsic vagal and spinal sensory neurons. This leads to the activation of the...