Influence of the calcium-sensitive fluorophore, Quin 2, on platelet function

Recent investigations using Quin 2, a fluorophore used to monitor cytosolic free calcium shifts, have shown that strong agonists cause a dramatic dose-dependent increase in platelet fluorescence. However, weak agonists stimulated little or no increase in light emission of Quin 2-loaded platelets, suggesting that calcium flux is not involved in activation by these agents. The present study has sought an alternative explanation for the failure of weak stimuli to cause a rise in cytosolic free calcium in platelets containing Quin 2. Conditions used to prepare, wash, load, gel-filter, and evaluate the fluorophore-filled cells were examined for their compatibility with retention of sensitivity to activation by weak agonists. The technique used to measure shifts in cytosolic calcium with Quin 2 requires multiply washed, unstirred platelets. Under these conditions, platelets do not aggregate or secrete in response to weak agonists. Quin 2, at concentrations greater than 40 mumol/L, inhibits the response of platelets to strong agonists, and completely blocks their reaction to weak agonists. Quin 2 inhibition of platelet function appears related to high buffering capacity for free calcium, although other mechanisms cannot be ruled out. This suggestion is supported by the observation that Quin 2-induced blockade can be overcome by membrane modulation, which is a calcium-dependent process. However, since both agonists are weak, significant elevation in cytosolic calcium concurrent with functional restoration could not be demonstrated under the experimental conditions used for monitoring calcium. Thus, the conditions used to prepare platelets for Quin 2 evaluation and Quin 2 itself appear to be responsible for the failure of weak agonists to cause evidence of a calcium shift in fluorophore-loaded cells.