Related Experiment Videos
Pertussis toxin activates platelets through an interaction with platelet glycoprotein Ib
K A Sindt1, E L Hewlett, G T Redpath
1Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville 22908.
Infection and Immunity
|August 1, 1994
Summary
Pertussis toxin
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Microbiology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Platelets are crucial for hemostasis and immune response.
- Pertussis toxin is an exotoxin produced by Bordetella pertussis.
- The B oligomer of pertussis toxin can activate cells without ADP-ribosylation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of the pertussis toxin B oligomer on platelet activation.
- To elucidate the role of platelet glycoprotein Ib in this activation process.
Main Methods:
- Platelet activation assays measuring intracellular calcium, dense granule secretion, and aggregation.
- Use of monoclonal antibodies against platelet glycoprotein Ib.
- Detection of pertussis toxin binding to glycoprotein Ib via SDS-PAGE.
Main Results:
- Pertussis toxin B oligomer induced concentration-dependent platelet activation.
- Platelet activation required stirring and involved glycoprotein Ib.
- Pertussis toxin B oligomer bound to platelet glycoprotein Ib.
Conclusions:
- The B oligomer of pertussis toxin activates platelets.
- Platelet activation is mediated, in part, by interaction with glycoprotein Ib.
- Platelets serve as a model for studying B oligomer effects independent of ADP-ribosylation.