Platelets stimulate thromboplastin synthesis in human endothelial cells

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells in culture synthesize thromboplastin upon stimulation with phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) or the tumor promotor 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA). The thromboplastin activity is further strongly enhanced in a time dependent reaction by the presence of gel-filtered platelets or platelet aggregates. This effect was demonstrable at platelet concentrations lower than those normally found in plasma, it may thus be of pathophysiological relevance. The thromboplastin activity increased with increasing number of platelets added. Cycloheximide inhibited the increase, suggesting that de novo synthesis of the protein component of thromboplastin, apoprotein III, is necessary. When care was taken to remove monocytes no thromboplastin activity and no apoprotein III antigen could be demonstrated in suspensions of gel-filtered platelets, platelets aggregated with thrombin or homogenized platelets when studied with a coagulation assay and an antibody neutralization technique.