Induction and enhancement of platelet aggregation in vitro and in vivo by model polystyrene nanoparticles.

Nanoparticles (NPs) may come into contact with circulating blood elements including platelets following inhalation and translocation from the airways to the bloodstream or during proposed medical applications. Studies with model polystyrene latex nanoparticles (PLNPs) have shown that NPs are able to induce platelet aggregation in vitro suggesting a poorly defined potential mechanism of increased cardiovascular risk upon NP exposure. We aimed to provide insight into the mechanisms by which NPs may increase cardiovascular risk by determining the impact of a range of concentrations of PLNPs on platelet activation in vitro and in vivo and identifying the signaling events driving NP-induced aggregation.

Blockade of the purinergic P2Y12 receptor greatly increases the platelet inhibitory actions of nitric oxide.

Circulating platelets are constantly exposed to nitric oxide (NO) released from the vascular endothelium. This NO acts to reduce platelet reactivity, and in so doing blunts platelet aggregation and thrombus formation. For successful hemostasis, platelet activation and aggregation must occur at sites of vascular injury despite the constant presence of NO.