Multiple integrin-ligand interactions synergize in shear-resistant platelet adhesion at sites of arterial injury in vivo

Abstract

Abstract Damage to the integrity of the vessel wall results in exposure of the subendothelial extracellular matrix (ECM), which triggers integrin-dependent adhesion and aggregation of platelets. The role of platelet β1 integrins in these processes remains mostly undefined. Here, we demonstrate by intravital fluorescence microscopy that platelet adhesion and thrombus growth on the exposed ECM of the injured carotid artery is not significantly altered in α2-null mice and even in mice with a Cre/loxP-mediated loss of all β1 integrins on their platelets. In contrast, inhibition of αIIbβ3 integrin on platelets in wild-type mice blocked aggregate formation and reduced platelet adhesion by 60.0%. Strikingly, αIIbβ3 inhibition had a comparable effect in α2-null mice, demonstrating that other receptors mediate shear-resistant adhesion in the absence of functional α2β1 and αIIbβ3. These were identified to be α5β1 and/or α6β1 as αIIbβ3 inhibition abrogated platelet adhesion in β1-null mice. We conclude that shear-resistant platelet adhesion on the injured vessel wall in vivo is a highly integrated process involving multiple integrin-ligand interactions, none of which by itself is essential. (Blood. 2003;102:4021-4027)