Analysis of distribution of receptors among platelets by flow cytometry

We have investigated the binding of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled fibrinogen to platelets using a fluorescence spectrophotometer and a flow cytometer. The amount of fibrinogen bound by stimulation of adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5HT) increased in a dose-dependent manner. Stimulation of one agonist was independent of that of another agonist. Fibrinogen could bind to platelets in response to ADP, regardless of whether they were desensitized by 5HT, and vice versa. It was found by flow cytometric analysis that individual platelets responded uniformly to both ADP and 5HT, indicating that individual platelets have receptors for both ADP and 5HT on their surfaces.