Studies of fibrinogen binding to porcine platelets by flow cytometry: a method for studies of porcine platelet activation

Platelets have a central function in haemostasis. They also participate in arterial thrombus formation in vascular disorders. Platelets have an important role in initiating and mediating ischaemia and related complications of ischemic heart disease. Several research groups are thus studying platelet activation and developing new platelet inhibitors. Platelet function is dependent upon membrane receptors and their interaction with other proteins. Binding of fibrinogen to the platelet glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa receptor is a prerequisite for platelet aggregation and thrombus formation. Thus, several GPIIb/IIIa inhibitors have been developed of which abciximab is the clinically most widely used. Pigs are often used for experimental studies. We have developed a flow cytometry assay for measuring porcine platelet activation utilising an FITC-labelled chicken anti-fibrinogen antibody. ADP, ristocetin and thrombin induce fibrinogen binding to porcine platelets similarly to human platelets. Ristocetin induces platelet aggregation and microvesicle formation from porcine platelets as well as from human platelets.