Immunohistological comparison of platelet factor 4 (PF4), fibronectin (Fn) and factor VIII related antigen (VIIIR:Ag) in human platelet granules.

Abstract

Immunofluorescence microscopy was used to study the localization of platelet factor 4 (PF4), fibronectin (Fn) and factor VIII related antigen in washed normal platelets and those from patients with severe von Willebrand's disease (vWd). Platelets were prepared by an improved multi-unit modification of the Sayk chamber. This facilitated the preparation of samples with minimum disruption of platelets and readily permitted the demonstration of intact platelet granules by the immunological techniques used. The antigens were demonstrated by treating the same preparations sequentially with appropriate heterologous antisera and species specific fluorescein or rhodamine conjugated antisera. Comparison of the different antigens in identical platelets indicated that Fn and VIIIR:Ag were localized to the same granules as PF4 and the results were thus consistent with their presence in alpha granules. Fn and PF4, but not VIIIR:Ag, were present in platelet granules of patients with severe vWd. The antigens were always detected in the same granules, and major sub-populations of differently stained granules were not observed. The methods were applied to investigate normal platelets aggregated with collagen. Fn and VIIIR:Ag were detected in platelet granules after aggregation although the granules themselves were possibly differently distributed in these samples compared with the non-aggregated platelets. The localization of PF4 could not be reliably assessed in aggregated platelets by these methods. The techniques may be useful in localizing platelet antigens and studying release during aggregation.