Evidence for a structural requirement for the aggregation of platelets by collagen

This study investigates whether soluble collagen can initiate platelet aggregation or whether a higher degree of polymerization is required. Purified rat skin collagen was prepared in four states. Soluble monomeric collagen, containing 2 muM calcium chloride, was maintained at 4 degrees C until use. A previously uncharacterized form of collagen, soluble microfibrillar collagen, was prepared from monomeric collagen containing calcium chloride by allowing it to polymerize at 23 degrees C. Viscometric and electron microscopic characterization of microfibrillar collagen indicated polymerization to ordered native filaments. Particulate native macrofibrillar collagen was prepared from monomeric collagen by allowing it to polymerize at 37 degrees C in the absence of calcium. Particulate collagen, in which the fibers were randomly associated, was prepared by salt precipitation of calcium-free monomeric collagen. Microfibrillar and native macrofibrillar collagen initiated platelet aggregation, with a lag phase of approximately 60 s. Monomeric collagen initiated aggregation with a lag phase of approximately 180 s. The duration of the lag phase for platelet aggregation initiated by monomeric collagen was independent of the dose. Salt-precipitated particulate collagen did not initiate platelet aggregation. Agents which prolong the transition from monomeric collagen to fibrillar collagen (urea, arginine) retarded or prevented the aggregation of platelets by monomeric collagen. Sodium borohydride, which stabilizes the intraand intermolecular cross-links of collagen did not affect platelet aggregation. Penicillamine, which displaces the intermolecular cross-links and binds the intramolecular cross-links of collagen, did not prevent platelet aggregation. The data suggest that an architectural requirement exists for the initiation of self-perpetuating platelet aggregation; that tropocollagen units do not fulfill this requirement; that a soluble collagen preparation, microfibrillar collagen, contains the minimal structural unit; and that cross-linkages within collagen do not play a critical role in platelet aggregation.