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Updated: Mar 3, 2026

Ferric Chloride-induced Murine Thrombosis Models
Published on: September 5, 2016
Rac1 regulates sepsis-induced formation of platelet-derived microparticles and thrombin generation
Yongzhi Wang1, Lingtao Luo2, Matthias Mörgelin3
1Department of Clinical Sciences, Malmö, Section for Surgery, Lund University, Sweden.
Abstract:
Dysfunctional coagulation aggravates clinical outcome in patients with sepsis. The aim of this study was to define the role of Rac-1 in the formation of platelet-derived microparticles (PMPs) and thrombin generation (TG) in abdominal sepsis. Male C57BL/6 mice underwent cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Scanning electron microscopy and flow cytometry were used to quantify PMPs. TG was determined by use of a fluorimetric assay. It was found that CLP increased Rac1 activity in platelets, which was abolished by administration of the Rac1 inhibitor NSC23766. Sepsis-induced TG in vivo was reflected by reduced capacity of plasma from septic animals to generate thrombin ex vivo. Administration of NSC23766 increased peak and total TG in plasma from CLP mice indicating that Rac-1 regulates sepsis-induced formation of thrombin. The number of circulating PMPs was markedly elevated in animals with abdominal sepsis. Treatment with NSC23766 significantly decreased formation of PMPs in septic mice. Platelet activation in vitro caused release of numerous MPs. Notably, NSC23766 abolished PMP formation in activated platelets in vitro. These findings suggest that Rac-1 regulates PMP formation and TG in sepsis and that inhibition of Rac1 activity could be a useful target to inhibit dysfunctional coagulation in abdominal sepsis.
Insights
Rac-1 inhibition reduces platelet-derived microparticles and thrombin generation in abdominal sepsis. Targeting Rac1 activity offers a potential therapeutic strategy for sepsis-induced coagulopathy.
Area of Science:
- Coagulation and Thrombosis
- Sepsis Pathophysiology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Dysfunctional coagulation is a significant factor in sepsis outcomes.
- Platelet-derived microparticles (PMPs) and thrombin generation (TG) play critical roles in sepsis-associated coagulopathy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of Rac-1 in PMP formation and TG during abdominal sepsis.
- To evaluate the therapeutic potential of Rac1 inhibition in a mouse model of abdominal sepsis.
Main Methods:
- Cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model in male C57BL/6 mice.
- Quantification of PMPs using scanning electron microscopy and flow cytometry.
- Assessment of TG via fluorimetric assay and ex vivo plasma analysis.
Main Results:
- CLP increased Rac1 activity in platelets; inhibition with NSC23766 abolished this effect.
- Sepsis reduced ex vivo TG capacity, which was restored by NSC23766 administration.
- Elevated circulating PMPs in septic mice were significantly reduced by NSC23766 treatment.
- NSC23766 inhibited PMP formation in activated platelets in vitro.
Conclusions:
- Rac-1 plays a key role in regulating PMP formation and TG in abdominal sepsis.
- Inhibition of Rac1 activity presents a promising therapeutic target for managing sepsis-induced coagulopathy.
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