scholarly journals Investigating von Willebrand Factor Pathophysiology Using a Flow Chamber Model of von Willebrand Factor-platelet String Formation

10.3791/55917 ◽  
2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alison Michels ◽  
Laura L. Swystun ◽  
Jeffrey Mewburn ◽  
Silvia Albánez ◽  
David Lillicrap
Keyword(s):  
Von Willebrand Factor ◽  
Flow Chamber ◽  
Chamber Model ◽  
String Formation ◽  
Von Willebrand ◽  
Willebrand Factor

Endothelial CD40 Mediates Microvascular von Willebrand Factor-Dependent Platelet Adhesion Inducing Inflammatory Venothrombosis in ADAMTS13 Knockout Mice

2020 ◽  
Vol 120 (03) ◽  
pp. 466-476
Author(s):  
Sibgha Tahir ◽  
Andreas H. Wagner ◽  
Steffen Dietzel ◽  
Hanna Mannell ◽  
Joachim Pircher ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Von Willebrand Factor ◽  
Knockout Mice ◽  
Platelet Adhesion ◽  
Thrombus Formation ◽  
Cd40 Ligand ◽  
Inflammatory Conditions ◽  
String Formation ◽  
Von Willebrand ◽  
Willebrand Factor

Abstract Background von Willebrand factor (vWF) plays an important role in platelet activation. CD40–CD40 ligand (CD40L) induced vWF release has been described in large vessels and cultured endothelium, but its role in the microcirculation is not known. Here, we studied whether CD40 is expressed in murine microvessels in vivo, whether CD40L induces platelet adhesion and leukocyte activation, and how deficiency of the vWF cleaving enzyme ADAMTS13 affects these processes. Methods and Results The role of CD40L in the formation of beaded platelet strings reflecting their adhesion to ultralarge vWF fibers (ULVWF) was analyzed in the murine cremaster microcirculation in vivo. Expression of CD40 and vWF was studied by immunohistochemistry in isolated and fixed cremasters. Microvascular CD40 was only expressed under inflammatory conditions and exclusively in venous endothelium. We demonstrate that CD40L treatment augmented the number of platelet strings, reflecting ULVWF multimer formation exclusively in venules and small veins. In ADAMTS13 knockout mice, the number of platelet strings further increased to a significant extent. As a consequence extensive thrombus formation was induced in venules of ADAMTS13 knockout mice. In addition, circulating leukocytes showed primary and rapid adherence to these platelet strings followed by preferential extravasation in these areas. Conclusion CD40L is an important stimulus of microvascular endothelial ULVWF release, subsequent platelet string formation and leukocyte extravasation but only in venous vessels under inflammatory conditions. Here, the lack of ADAMTS13 leads to severe thrombus formation. The results identify CD40 expression and ADAMTS13 activity as important targets to prevent microvascular inflammatory thrombosis.

Cytosolic Calcium Changes in a Process of Platelet Adhesion and Cohesion on a von Willebrand Factor-Coated Surface Under Flow Conditions

Blood ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 94 (4) ◽  
pp. 1149-1155 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mitsuhiro Kuwahara ◽  
Mitsuhiko Sugimoto ◽  
Shizuko Tsuji ◽  
Shigeki Miyata ◽  
Akira Yoshioka
Keyword(s):  
Von Willebrand Factor ◽  
Platelet Adhesion ◽  
Cytosolic Calcium ◽  
Flow Chamber ◽  
Flow Conditions ◽  
Color Changes ◽  
Coated Surface ◽  
Von Willebrand ◽  
Willebrand Factor ◽  
Calcium Green

Recent flow studies indicated that platelets are transiently captured onto and then translocated along the surface through interaction of glycoprotein (GP) Ib with surface-immobilized von Willebrand factor (vWF). During translocation, platelets are assumed to be activated, thereafter becoming firmly adhered and cohered on the surface. In exploring the mechanisms by which platelets become activated during this process, we observed changes in platelet cytosolic calcium concentrations ([Ca2+]i) concomitantly with the real-time platelet adhesive and cohesive process on a vWF-coated surface under flow conditions. Reconstituted blood containing platelets loaded with the Ca2+ indicators Fura Red and Calcium Green-1 was perfused over a vWF-coated glass surface in a flow chamber, and changes in [Ca2+]i were evaluated by fluorescence microscopy based on platelet color changes from red (low [Ca2+]i) to green (high [Ca2+]i) during the platelet adhesive and cohesive process. Under flow conditions with a shear rate of 1,500 s−1, no change in [Ca2+]i was observed during translocation of platelets, but [Ca2+]i became elevated apparently after platelets firmly adhered to the surface. Platelets preincubated with anti-GP IIb-IIIa antibody c7E3 showed no firm adhesion and no [Ca2+]i elevation. The intracellular Ca2+chelator dimethyl BAPTA did not inhibit firm platelet adhesion but completely abolished platelet cohesion. Although both firm adhesion and cohesion of platelets have been thought to require activation of GP IIb-IIIa, our results indicate that [Ca2+]i elevation is a downstream phenomenon and not a prerequisite for firm platelet adhesion to a vWF-coated surface. After platelets firmly adhere to the surface, [Ca2+]i elevation might occur through the outside-in signaling from GP IIb-IIIa occupied by an adhesive ligand, thereby leading to platelet cohesion on the surface.

Effects of von Willebrand factor concentration and platelet collision on shear-induced platelet activation

2008 ◽  
Vol 100 (07) ◽  
pp. 60-68 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhenyue Gao ◽  
Fang Liu ◽  
Ziqiang Yu ◽  
Xia Bai ◽  
Fengyuan Zhuang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Platelet Activation ◽  
Von Willebrand Factor ◽  
Annexin V ◽  
Flow Chamber ◽  
Platelet Glycoprotein ◽  
High Shear ◽  
Shear Rates ◽  
Von Willebrand ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Willebrand Factor

SummaryThe binding of plasma von Willebrand factor (vWF) to platelet glycoprotein (GP) Ibα in a high shear stress field, and subsequent integrin-GPIIb/IIIa-vWF conjunction induces platelet aggregation (SIPA). However, the specific biomechanical mechanism of the vWF-GPIb interaction still remains to be elucidated. A parallel-plate rectangular flow chamber was built to simulate a stenopeic artery flow pattern. Using the flow chamber, we examined shear- induced platelet activation (SIPAct) at different vWF concentrations (5–25 µg/ml) and several simulated stenotic high shear rates. P-selectin expression on the platelets and annexin V binding to the platelets were used as two markers of platelet activation. At different localized shear rates (3,000 s-1–9,500 s-1), the percentage of annexin V and P-selectin positive cells increased from 8.3 ± 0.4% to 22.3 ± 1.8% ( p 0.05) and from 17.4 ± 0.5% to 33.5 ± 2.5% (p 0.05),respectively. As the vWF concentration increased from 5 µg/ml to 25 µg/ml, the annexinV binding rate increased from 7.2 ± 0.6% to 53.4 ± 3.8% (p 0.05), and P-selectin expression increased from 16.5 ± 1.2% to 65.9 ± 5.2% (p 0.05). A test in a uniform shear field using cone-plate viscometer rheometry showed that the platelet activation rate was proportional to the platelet concentration. This result suggests that platelet collision is one of the impact factors of SIPAct.

Morphological and Functional Studies of Ultra Long Von Willebrand Factor (ULVWF) Anchored on Endothelial Surface.

Blood ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 108 (11) ◽  
pp. 1784-1784
Author(s):  
Jing Huang ◽  
Rodger P. McEver ◽  
John Heuser ◽  
J. Evan Sadler
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Shear Stress ◽  
Von Willebrand Factor ◽  
Protein Interactions ◽  
Fluid Shear Stress ◽  
Flow Direction ◽  
Flow Chamber ◽  
Endothelial Surface ◽  
Von Willebrand ◽  
Willebrand Factor

Abstract Von Willebrand factor multimers that are tethered on endothelial cells are ultra large, hyperactive and susceptible to ADAMTS13 cleavage. However, the morphology of acutely secreted ULVWF that are deposited on endothelial surface and the mechanism by which they persist under fluid shear stress remain elusive. In this study, we use immunofluorescence and electron microscopy to characterized HUVEC surface associated VWF. By conducting perfusion assays in a parallel plate flow chamber in the presence of an agonist and a fluorescent anti-VWF antibody, we directly visualized VWF secretion and dynamics in real time. Upon histamine or forskolin stimulation, VWF multimers secreted by confluent HUVEC formed extended strings parallel to flow direction. While strings formed independent of platelet adhesion, they bound platelets without requiring platelet activation. Quick-freeze, deep-etch electron microscopy of immuno-gold labeled VWF showed that multiple single strings can merge and form parallel or twisted bundles, suggesting lateral association between individual VWF multimers. These “strings” or “bundles of strings” were tethered to the plasma membrane by a limited number of anchoring points, remained stable for over 30 minutes of continuous laminar flow at the shear stress of 2.5dyn/cm2, and about 50% of these strings were disrupted (bent or washed away) by a reversal of flow direction. Static adhesion assays indicated that both “RGDS” binding integrin and P-selectin were involved in binding of CHO-P cells to ULVWF containing HUVEC supernatant. However, “RGDS” peptide, but not soluble P-selectin or a polyclonal P-selectin antibody by itself, could interfere with the formation of fluorescent VWF strings under flow. These observations suggest that “RGDS” binding integrins are implicated in the presentation of ultra-long VWF strings on endothelial lumen, and that multiple protein-protein interactions could contribute to this process.

Imaging of Von Willebrand Factor Remodeling Upon Secretion From Vascular Endothelial Cells

Blood ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 120 (21) ◽  
pp. 263-263
Author(s):  
Marjon J Mourik ◽  
Karine M Valentijn ◽  
Jack A Valentijn ◽  
Jan Voorberg ◽  
Abraham J Koster ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Von Willebrand Factor ◽  
Live Cell Imaging ◽  
Cell Imaging ◽  
Light And Electron Microscopy ◽  
Live Cell ◽  
String Formation ◽  
Von Willebrand ◽  
Willebrand Factor

Abstract Abstract 263 In response to vascular injury, endothelial cells rapidly secrete high molecular weight multimers of the coagulation protein Von Willebrand factor (VWF). Once expelled from the cells, VWF unfurls in long strings that bind platelets from the bloodstream to induce primary hemostasis. VWF secreted upon stimulation is released from specialized storage compartments called Weibel Palade bodies (WPB) which have a typical rod or cigar shape. They emerge from the Trans Golgi network in a process driven by the formation of helical tubules consisting of VWF multimers and the VWF propeptide. When WPBs undergo exocytosis and release VWF, rapid structural changes occur which eventually result in platelet capturing VWF strings. It has been postulated that the tubular storage of VWF in WPBs is required for sufficient unfolding of the protein during string formation as agents disrupting the VWF tubules were shown to result in less strings. Recently we described a novel structure involved in VWF exocytosis which is formed only upon stimulation. We refer to this structure as a “secretory pod” as it seemed to derive from multiple WPBs and was identified as a VWF release site where strings seemed to be formed. By transmission electron microscopy (TEM) we identified this structure to be a membrane-delimited organelle containing filamentous material resembling unfurled VWF. The VWF tubules as seen in WPBs are absent in secretory pods suggesting that tubular packaging of VWF is not essential for sufficient release and string formation. To study the formation of secretory pods and the subsequent release and remodeling of VWF, several imaging techniques were used such as live-cell imaging and correlative light and electron microscopy. We expressed propeptide-EGFP in endothelial cells to label the WPBs and stimulated them with PMA. By live-cell imaging we visualized the exocytotic events. We observed, apart from single WPB exocytosis, the formation of secretory pods which occurred by the coalescence of several WPBs. In some cases the individual WPBs rounded up first, before they joined into one round structure while in other cases the coalescence event seemed to happen at once. After coalescence, fusion with the plasma membrane occurred to release the pooled VWF which resulted in the disappearance of the fluorescent signal as the propeptide rapidly diffused into the extracellular medium. How the secreted VWF is remodeled after secretion into VWF strings was studied by correlative light and electron microscopy. We correlated confocal pictures of stimulated endothelial cells, which were stained with VWF specific fluorescent antibodies, to consecutive TEM sections. We found that fluorescently labeled VWF dots that were connected to strings, correlated to secretory pods but also to globular mass of secreted VWF. Interestingly, when we analyzed consecutive EM sections, the globular masses were found to originate from the secretory pods. From the globular masses we also observed deriving strings indicating that once VWF is expelled, remodeling occurs independently from secretion. We hypothesize that fluid flow remodels the secreted globular VWF mass into strings. To study this we stimulated endothelial cells under flow. The intracellular VWF pool in the WPBs was labeled green by transient expression of propeptide-EGFP and the secreted VWF was labeled red with strongly diluted red fluorescent VWF specific antibodies in the perfusate. Using live-cell imaging we observed that upon fusion of EGFP labeled WPBs, the green signal transformed into a red signal revealing dots of labeled secreted VWF. These dots rolled, in the direction of the flow, to the edge of the cell where they aggregated and only then formed strings. In non-transfected cells we performed similar experiments and there we observed the same pattern, confirming even more the VWF aggregation and string formation at the edges of the cell. In conclusion, we demonstrated that several WPBs can fuse with each other to form secretory pods and that VWF is secreted as a globular mass of protein. From these globular masses strings originated indicating that string formation occurs independently from the mechanism of secretion in which the tubular packaging of VWF in WPBs does not seem to be of importance. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Analysis of the storage and secretion of von Willebrand factor in blood outgrowth endothelial cells derived from patients with von Willebrand disease

Blood ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 121 (14) ◽  
pp. 2762-2772 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiong-Wei Wang ◽  
Eveline A. M. Bouwens ◽  
Maria Carolina Pintao ◽  
Jan Voorberg ◽  
Huma Safdar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Von Willebrand Factor ◽  
Von Willebrand Disease ◽  
Key Points ◽  
Phenotypic Features ◽  
String Formation ◽  
Von Willebrand ◽  
Willebrand Factor ◽  
Multiple Patients

Key Points Isolation of BOECs from multiple patients with VWD is feasible, and the study of BOECs helps explain the pathogenic complexity of VWD. Abnormalities in WPB biogenesis and exocytosis and defects in VWF string formation correlate with the phenotypic features of patients with VWD.

scholarly journals Role of CD40 and ADAMTS13 in von Willebrand factor-mediated endothelial cell–platelet–monocyte interaction

2018 ◽  
Vol 115 (24) ◽  
pp. E5556-E5565 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miruna Popa ◽  
Sibgha Tahir ◽  
Julia Elrod ◽  
Su Hwan Kim ◽  
Florian Leuschner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Shear Stress ◽  
Endothelial Cell ◽  
Von Willebrand Factor ◽  
Intravital Microscopy ◽  
Cd40 Ligand ◽  
Two Photon ◽  
String Formation ◽  
Von Willebrand ◽  
Willebrand Factor

Monocyte extravasation into the vessel wall is a key step in atherogenesis. It is still elusive how monocytes transmigrate through the endothelial cell (EC) monolayer at atherosclerosis predilection sites. Platelets tethered to ultra-large von Willebrand factor (ULVWF) multimers deposited on the luminal EC surface following CD40 ligand (CD154) stimulation may facilitate monocyte diapedesis. Human ECs grown in a parallel plate flow chamber for live-cell imaging or Transwell permeable supports for transmigration assay were exposed to fluid or orbital shear stress and CD154. Human isolated platelets and/or monocytes were superfused over or added on top of the EC monolayer. Plasma levels and activity of the ULVWF multimer-cleaving protease ADAMTS13 were compared between coronary artery disease (CAD) patients and controls and were verified by the bioassay. Two-photon intravital microscopy was performed to monitor CD154-dependent leukocyte recruitment in the cremaster microcirculation of ADAMTS13-deficient versus wild-type mice. CD154-induced ULVWF multimer–platelet string formation on the EC surface trapped monocytes and facilitated transmigration through the EC monolayer despite high shear stress. Two-photon intravital microscopy revealed CD154-induced ULVWF multimer–platelet string formation preferentially in venules, due to strong EC expression of CD40, causing prominent downstream leukocyte extravasation. Plasma ADAMTS13 abundance and activity were significantly reduced in CAD patients and strongly facilitated both ULVWF multimer–platelet string formation and monocyte trapping in vitro. Moderate ADAMTS13 deficiency in CAD patients augments CD154-mediated deposition of platelet-decorated ULVWF multimers on the luminal EC surface, reinforcing the trapping of circulating monocytes at atherosclerosis predilection sites and promoting their diapedesis.

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