Release of soluble CD40 ligand after platelet activation: studies on the solubilization phase.

sCD40L is released from platelets as a soluble, proteolyzed form of CD40 ligand (CD40L; CD154) which is exposed on the surface after platelet activation. Ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA), the CD40-blocking antibody G28-5, and GPIIb-IIIa antagonists are known to inhibit the solubilization when added prior to activation. It is assumed that the surface expression of CD40L is a result of a separate fast process and that the solubilization is secondary to this.

Interleukin-7-mediated inflammation in unstable angina: possible role of chemokines and platelets.

Background: Atherogenesis and plaque destabilization involve immune-mediated mechanisms, but the actual mediators have not been fully clarified. Interleukin (IL)-7 is a regulator of T-cell homeostasis but also may be involved in inflammation. We hypothesized that IL-7 could be involved in the inflammatory processes observed in atherosclerosis and acute coronary syndromes.

Absence of the 145,000 Molecular Weight, Soluble Platelet Membrane Glycoprotein - Lack of Platelet Agglutination.

One step in the function of platelets in hemostasis is their adhesion to subendothelial tissue. The human factor VIII related protein (von Willebrand factor) is considered to be involved in the adhesion phenomenon (Baumgartner et al. 1977).