ADP, thrombin, and Bothrops atrox thrombinlike enzyme in platelet-dependent fibrin retraction

Abstract

Clots formed upon the addition of thrombin to human platelet-rich plasma (PRP) retracted readily but the clotting enzyme from Bothrops atrox venom did not cause retraction in PRP unless ADP, collagen, epinephrine, or low concentrations of thrombin (0.1 U) were added. The latter type of retraction was inhibited by apyrase and creatine phosphate kinase in the presence of creatine phosphate, but that induced with higher concentration of thrombin (2 U) was not. In a system composed of washed human platelets and purified fibrinogen, Bothrops marajoensis (BM) thrombinlike enzyme (highly purified preparations of viper venom) did not cause clot retraction. Addition of ADP to the platelet-fibrinogen mixture prior to BM enzyme resulted in stimulation of clot retraction that could be dissociated from the release of platelet constituents. Addition of low concentrations of thrombin (0.1 U/ml) caused retraction associated with a considerable release of adenine nucleotides that was inhibited by potato apyrase. Electron micrographs showed platelet-fibrin aggregates in all types of retracted clots. Nonretracted clots formed in the presence of potato apyrase contained discoidal platelets that were not in close association with fibrin. It has been postulated that platelet-dependent fibrin clot retraction induced by collagen, epinephrine, and low concentration of thrombin is mediated by ADP. High concentrations of thormbin may possibly promote clot retraction independently of ADP.