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In vitro release of vascular endothelial growth factor during platelet aggregation
J P Maloney1, C C Silliman, D R Ambruso
1Department of Pulmonary Sciences, University of Colorado School of Medicine and the Bonfils Blood Center, Denver, Colorado 80262, USA.
The American Journal of Physiology
|September 2, 1998
Summary
Platelets release vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) during aggregation, a key process in blood clotting and vascular health. This finding suggests VEGF plays a role in repairing blood vessel injuries.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Vascular Biology
- Hematology
Background:
- Platelet aggregation is central to vascular repair and disease.
- Platelets release vasoactive substances during aggregation.
- Some released substances, like vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), influence angiogenesis and endothelial function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hypothesis that VEGF is released by aggregating platelets.
- To determine if VEGF is secreted during platelet activation by various agonists.
- To explore the presence of VEGF in platelets and megakaryocytic cells.
Main Methods:
- In vitro aggregation of platelet-rich plasma induced by thrombin, collagen, epinephrine, and ADP.
- Measurement of VEGF levels in plasma and serum.
- Analysis of VEGF content in platelet lysates and a megakaryocytic cell line (Dami cells).
Main Results:
- VEGF was secreted during in vitro platelet aggregation (23-518 pg VEGF/ml).
- Serum VEGF levels were significantly higher than plasma VEGF levels (230 +/- 63 vs. 38 +/- 8 pg VEGF/ml).
- Leukocyte-poor platelet units and Dami cells contained significant amounts of VEGF, with detectable message and protein.
Conclusions:
- Platelets constitutively release VEGF upon aggregation.
- Platelet-derived VEGF likely plays a role in intimal vessel repair.
- VEGF from platelets may contribute to altered permeability and proliferation in thrombosis.