Urokinase binds to platelets through a specific saturable, low affinity mechanism

D. E. Vaughan, E. Van Houtte, D. Collen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Scopus citations

Abstract

Specific receptors for urokinase have previously been identified on a number of cell types, including peripheral blood monocytes and endothelial cells. In the present study, the existence of specific receptors for single chain urokinase-type plasminogen activator (scu-PA) on gel-filtered human platelets was investigated. Platelets were found to bind 125I-labelled recombinant scu-PA (125I-rscu-PA) rapidly, specifically, saturably and reversibly, with a binding capacity of 92000±10000 molecules (mean±SEM) per platelet, and an apparent Kd of 130±20nM. Unlabelled rscu-PA and high molecular weight urokinase efficiently completed with binding, whereas low molecular weight urokinase (lacking the epidermal growth factor and kringle domains) did not. Other molecules known to bind to platelets, including fibrinogen, tissue-type plasminogen activator and plasminogen, had little effect on the binding of 125I-rscu-PA. Binding was not significantly altered by the addition of 1.5 mM Ca++ or by 5mM EDTA. Thus, platelets have a high density, specific mechanism that binds scu-PA and potentially localises fibrinolytic activity to their surface.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)141-146
Number of pages6
JournalFibrinolysis and Proteolysis
Volume4
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 1990

Funding

Supported by the Geconcerteerde Ondezoeksacties (Project 85-90/ 78). D Vaughan is the recipient of a Clinician Scientist Award from the American Heart Association, Dallas, TX and during the period of this study was on leave of absence from the Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, USA.

Keywords

  • Human platelets
  • Localised fibrinolytic activity
  • Urokinase receptors
  • scu-PA

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Hematology

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