Biological significance of chemokine receptor expression by normal human megakaryoblasts.

The aim of this study was to learn more on the role of chemokines in the regulation of human megakryopoiesis. Normal human megakaryoblasts were expanded in serum-free liquid cultures and subsequently (1) phenotyped for expression of various chemokine receptors, (2) evaluated if chemokine receptors which they express are functional after stimulation by chemokines (calcium flux assay, chemotaxis, phosphorylation of MAPK-p42/44 and AKT proteins), and (3) investigated for expression and secretion of selected chemokines by employing RT-PCR and ELISA assays, respectively. In addition we also phenotyped peripheral blood platelets for expression of chemokine receptors and chemokines.