Platelet intermediate filaments: detection of a vimentinlike protein in human and bovine platelets

Human and bovine platelets contain a 58,000-dalton vimentinlike protein that cross-reacts with antivimentin antibody. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blots indicate that this protein is present in whole platelet lysates and triton insoluble cytoskeletons. Transmission electron microscopy of platelets reveals an isotropic network of individual intermediate filaments distributed throughout the platelets. High salt, triton extracted, glutaraldehyde and tannic acid fixed platelets reveal 10-nm filaments that can be seen to form a peripheral ring, as well as an isotropic network in the body of the cells. Indirect immunofluorescence of resting and spread platelets demonstrates a circumferential staining pattern close to the cell membrane, with additional fibrillar staining throughout the platelets. Our data suggest that the 58,000-dalton vimentinlike protein may be associated with the microtubule coil and the plasma membrane, and may thus help to maintain the resting platelet's discoid shape.