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Biomedical subjects

H R Gralnick

Publications and source records attributed to H R Gralnick.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

Anemia and erythropoiesis in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and Kaposi sarcoma treated with zidovudine.

We evaluated the development of anemia as part of a trial of zidovudine therapy in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) with Kaposi sarcoma. Patients were randomized to one of three treatment groups or a placebo group. Transfusion-requiring anemia (hemoglobin less than 100 g/L) developed in 6 of 15 patients on zidovudine therapy at a mean of 6 weeks after starting treatment. A fall in the reticulocyte count was the earliest peripheral blood indicator of toxicity. Mean corpuscular volume increased markedly in patients on zidovudine therapy not developing anemia yet remained stable or only slightly increased in those who became anemic. Bone marrow examination showed pure red cell aplasia in 2 patients, erythroid maturation arrest in 1, and erythroid hypoplasia in 3. Megaloblastic erythropoiesis was present in 2 of the 6 anemic patients. Erythropoietin levels measured at the time of first transfusion were increased. Thus, the anemia associated with zidovudine therapy is due to red cell hypoplasia or aplasia.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Platelet density-dependent partition of platelet-von Willebrand factor between alpha granule and non-alpha granule pools.

In this study, we demonstrate that platelets contain a small but significant amount of platelet-von Willebrand factor (vWf) not associated with alpha-granules. When platelets free of plasma proteins are exposed to micromolar concentrations of digitonin, plasma membrane permeabilization occurs without disruption of platelet granules. Employing this technique, we have found that upon exposure of a total platelet population to 8 microM digitonin, 5% of total platelet-vWf is released into the supernatant; this occurs without release of beta-TG from alpha-granules. When platelets of discrete buoyant density profiles are tested, this extragranular platelet-vWf increased with decreasing platelet density. These findings suggest that a redistribution of platelet-vWf from alpha-granule to non-granule sites occurs coincident with a decrease in platelet buoyant density.

Blood Platelets↗

A variant of type II von Willebrand disease with an abnormal triplet structure and discordant effects of protease inhibitors on plasma and platelet von Willebrand factor structure.

We have characterized the plasma and platelet von Willebrand factor (vWf) multimeric structure of a patient with von Willebrand disease (vWd) as having a long bleeding time, no aggregation of her platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to ristocetin, and very low plasma and platelet von Willebrand antigen (vWf Ag) and vWf activity. The abnormalities of the plasma and platelet vWf have not been previously described. In particular, the patient's plasma and platelet vWf lacked the intermediate and largest vWf multimers and the slowest migrating minor band (band 1) of the triplet was markedly diminished compared to the major band (band 2) and the fastest migrating band of the triplet (band 3). A similar multimeric structure was seen in the platelet vWf. Collection of the patient's blood in protease inhibitors prior to the analysis of the platelet and plasma vWf structure revealed that the plasma vWf multimeric structure did not change, while the patient's platelet vWf showed a marked change with the appearance of the intermediate and large multimers and almost total disappearance of the abnormal multimeric structure. Direct comparison of this patient's plasma with previously reported cases of type IIA, IIC, and IID revealed marked differences in their multimeric organization compared to our patient. Employing the presently accepted convention, we have designated this variant type of vWd type IIG.

Blood Platelets↗

Monoclonal antibodies to the glycoprotein IIb-IIIa epitopes involved in adhesive protein binding: effects on platelet spreading and ultrastructure on human arterial subendothelium.

Platelet adherence to subendothelium depends on binding of plasma von Willebrand factor (VWF) to the subendothelial surface and its subsequent interaction with platelet membrane glycoprotein Ib (GPIb) in the Baumgartner perfusion technique. To examine the role of the platelet glycoprotein IIb-IIIa (GPIIb-IIIa) complex in these processes, we performed studies in patients with platelets deficient in GPIIb-IIIa (thrombasthenia) or GPIb (Bernard-Soulier syndrome) in the Baumgartner system with human umbilical artery segments at a wall shear rate of 2600 sec-1. Morphometry specified the percentage of the subendothelial surface covered with contact (C) or spread (S) platelets or platelet thrombi. Total platelet adherence was defined as C + S. In thrombasthenia, C showed a small but significant increase compared with controls, whereas C + S was reduced by approximately 40%; thrombi were totally absent. With Bernard-Soulier platelets, each parameter was reduced by 72% to 93%. To verify that these findings were related to the epitopes involved in VWF, fibronectin, and fibrinogen binding, we incubated normal blood with monoclonal antibodies to the GPIIb-IIIa complex (10E5 and PLT-1) or GPIb (6D1), and these experiments yielded results similar to those observed with thrombasthenic and Bernard-Soulier platelets, respectively. By transmission electron microscopy, normal platelets preincubated with 10E5 or thrombasthenic platelets showed abnormally short and blunt pseudopodia, suggesting that the platelet GPIIb-IIIa complex plays a role in platelet spreading on subendothelium. Our observations confirm that platelet spreading is mediated at least in part by the epitope(s) of the GPIIb-IIIa complex involved in adhesive protein binding.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

Asialo von Willebrand factor binding to and aggregation of platelets: effects of inhibitors of platelet metabolism and function.

Asialo von Willebrand factor (As-VWF) binds both to the glycoprotein lb (GPlb) and glycoprotein llb-llla (GPllb-llla) complex. We studied the role of various platelet pathways involved in the As-VWF-induced platelet aggregation. We used prostacyclin, dibutyryl cyclic adenosine monophosphate, forskolin, 5'-p-fluorosulfonyl adenosine, apyrase, aspirin, and EDTA to evaluate the role of adenosine diphosphate (ADP), thromboxane synthesis, and the effects of calcium on the binding of As-VWF to platelets and ensuing aggregation. We found that agents that increase intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate totally inhibit As-VWF-induced platelet aggregation but only partially inhibit the As-VWF binding to the GPllb-llla complex. The endoperoxide-thromboxane pathway does not play a major role in either As-VWF binding to platelets or induction of platelet aggregation. As-VWF binding to the GPllb-llla complex appears to be approximately 70% to 80% ADP dependent and approximately 20% to 30% ADP independent. The binding of As-VWF to the GPllb-llla complex appears to be different from the binding of intact VWF or fibrinogen to the GPllb-llla complex with the platelet agonists ADP or thrombin.

1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine↗

Asialo-von Willebrand factor inhibits platelet adherence to human arterial subendothelium: discrepancy between ristocetin cofactor activity and primary hemostatic function.

Platelet adherence at high wall shear rates requires plasma von Willebrand factor (vWF). Clinically, the ristocetin cofactor (RCof) activity is the only widely available assay for vWF function. When purified vWF is treated with neuraminidase to yield asialo-vWF (AS-vWF), its RCof activity is increased by 20% to 40%. AS-vWF binds to normal human platelets independently of ristocetin and induces platelet aggregation in the presence of fibrinogen. To determine whether AS-vWF also shows an enhanced capacity to support platelet adherence to subendothelium, we used the Baumgartner technique. Intact vWF, AS-vWF, or AS-vWF treated with beta-galactosidase (asialo, agalacto-vWF; AS,AG-vWF) was added to normal citrated whole blood before perfusion over human umbilical artery segments (wall shear rate, 2,600 sec-1). Four micrograms per milliliter AS-vWF caused a 69% reduction in total platelet adherence compared with citrated whole blood (P less than .001), and 4 micrograms/mL AS,AG-vWF led to a 48% reduction (P less than .005). With 4 micrograms/mL intact vWF, the platelet adherence values were not significantly different from the controls. No significant differences in subendothelial platelet thrombi or postperfusion platelet counts were evident among any of the groups. In reconstituted afibrinogenemic perfusates, 4 micrograms/mL AS-vWF caused a 42% reduction in platelet adherence (P less than .05). Thus, AS-vWF is a potent inhibitor of platelet adherence, despite its enhanced RCof specific activity. Abnormalities in vWF carbohydrate may play a role in impaired primary hemostasis in some patients with von Willebrand's disease.

Arteries↗

Fibrin monomer induces binding of endogenous platelet von Willebrand factor to the glycocalicin portion of platelet glycoprotein IB.

This study demonstrates that when platelets are stimulated by thrombin in the presence of low concentrations of purified human fibrinogen (10 to 20 micrograms/mL, final concentration) binding of released platelet von Willebrand factor (plt-vWF) to the platelet membrane is enhanced. This effect appears to be mediated by fibrin monomer produced by the action of thrombin on the fibrinogen in the incubation suspension. When fibrin polymerization is inhibited, the binding of released plt-vWF to the platelets is markedly increased. This enhanced binding is dependent on platelet glycoprotein Ib (GPIb) as shown by a decreased response with Bernard-Soulier platelets and inhibition by both monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies against glycocalicin. The binding of fibrin to thrombin-activated platelets preincubated with monoclonal antibody against GPIIb/IIIa is increased when the predominant form of fibrin is fibrin monomer. The fibrin binding is also decreased in the presence of antibody against glycocalicin. Our data demonstrate that fibrin monomer facilitates plt-vWF binding to the glycocalicin portion of platelet GPIb on thrombin-stimulated platelets and that binding of fibrin monomer to glycocalicin is necessary for this response to occur.

Blood Platelets↗

Comparison of the specificities of laminin, thrombospondin, and von Willebrand factor for binding to sulfated glycolipids.

The adhesive glycoproteins laminin, thrombospondin, and von Willebrand factor bind specifically and with high affinity to sulfated glycolipids. These three glycoproteins differ, however, in their sensitivity to inhibition of binding by sulfated monosaccharides and polysaccharides. Heparin strongly inhibits binding of thrombospondin but only weakly inhibits binding of laminin and von Willebrand factor. Fucoidan strongly inhibits binding of both laminin and thrombospondin but not of von Willebrand factor. Laminin shows significant specificity for inhibition by monosaccharides, whereas thrombospondin does not. Thus, specific spacial orientations of sulfate esters may be primary determinants of binding for the three proteins. Laminin, thrombospondin, and von Willebrand factor also differ in their relative binding affinities for purified sulfated glycosphingolipids. The three proteins strongly prefer terminal-sulfated lipids and bind only weakly to sulfated gangliotriaosyl ceramide with a sulfate ester on the penultimate galactose. Thrombospondin binds with highest affinity to galactosyl sulfatide but only weakly to more complex sulfatides, whereas von Willebrand factor prefers galactosyl sulfatide but binds with moderate affinity to various sulfated glycolipids. Laminin also is less selective than thrombospondin but is less sensitive for detection of low sulfatide concentrations. Galactosyl sulfatide at 1-5 pmol can be detected by staining of lipids separated on high performance TLC with 125I-thrombospondin or 125I-von Willebrand factor. 125I-von Willebrand factor was examined as a reagent for detecting sulfated glycolipids in tissue extracts. Rat kidney lipids contain 5 characterized sulfated glycolipids: galactosyl ceramide I3-sulfate, lactosyl ceramide II3-sulfate, gangliotriaosyl ceramide II3-sulfate, and bis-sulfated gangliotriaosyl and gangliotetraosyl ceramides. von Willebrand factor detects all of these lipids as well as several additional minor sulfated lipids. Complex monosulfated lipids are detected in several human tissues including kidney, erythrocytes, and platelets by this technique.

Blood Platelets↗

von Willebrand factor binds specifically to sulfated glycolipids.

The human plasma glycoprotein Factor VIII/von Willebrand factor (vWF) binds specifically and with high affinity to sulfatides (galactosylceramide-I3-sulfate). vWF does not bind to gangliosides, neutral glycolipids, phospholipids, or cholesterol 3-sulfate. Although the largest oligomers of vWF bind preferentially to sulfatides, vWF monomers and dimers also bind but with reduced affinity. vWF binding is inhibited at high ionic strength or low pH, by some sulfated polysaccharides and by antibodies to vWF. Binding of vWF to sulfatides is probably responsible for its agglutination of aldehyde-fixed erythrocytes and may play a role in vWF-induced platelet adhesion or platelet aggregation.

Blood Platelets↗

A method to average immunofluorescent histograms.

Single parameter gated flow cytometric fluorescent histograms were obtained on normal donor blood mononuclear cells using several commonly available lymphocyte surface markers. A computer method was developed to average single parameter flow cytometric immunofluorescent histograms. The averaged histograms provide a means of pattern recognition for normal lymphocytes and will aid in the clinical evaluation of lymphocytosis. Averaged histograms may also serve as standards for more advanced analysis.

Flow Cytometry↗

Identification of the thrombin receptor on human platelets by chemical crosslinking.

To identify the molecular site of thrombin binding to the platelet membrane, we covalently linked 125I-thrombin to platelets by using the bifunctional chemical cross-linking agents disuccinimidyl suberate and dithiobis(succinimidyl propionate). The proteins cross-linked to 125I-thrombin by this method were analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and followed by autoradiography. Two radiolabeled thrombin complexes were identified, a major species of Mr approximately 200,000 and a minor one of Mr approximately 400,000. Hirudin prevented the formation of both complexes. The radioactivity of the approximately 200,000-Mr complex was always 7-10-fold greater than the radioactivity of the approximately 400,000-Mr complex regardless of the thrombin concentration to which the platelets were exposed (0.1-29 nM). Although 125I-thrombin complexes generated with thrombasthenic platelets (lacking glycoprotein IIb/IIIa) were indistinguishable from normal, no complexes appeared when Bernard-Soulier platelets (lacking glycoprotein Ib [GPIb]) were used. Complex formation was blocked by rabbit antiglycocalicin antiserum, but not by the monoclonal antibody 6D1, which is directed against the site on GPIb where von Willebrand factor (vWf) binds in the presence of ristocetin. Although cross-linking studies suggested that vWf might partially inhibit thrombin binding to platelets, this was not confirmed by equilibrium binding studies in the presence of vWf and ristocetin. The data suggest, therefore, that at all thrombin concentrations binding occurs at the same membrane site, despite evidence from equilibrium studies for high and low affinity classes of receptors, and that the approximately 400,000-Mr complex is simply a dimer of the approximately 200,000-Mr species. We conclude that the membrane site to which thrombin binds is the glycocalicin portion of platelet GPIb at a site remote from the point of ristocetin-dependent vWf binding.

Autoradiography↗

Identification of platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa as the major binding site for released platelet-von Willebrand factor.

We studied the effects(s) of two monoclonal antibodies, 6D1 and 10E5 (directed against platelet glycoprotein Ib [GPIb] and the GPIIb/IIIa complex, respectively), and purified human plasma fibrinogen on the binding of released platelet-von Willebrand factor (vWf) to the platelet surface. Neither of the monoclonal antibodies nor fibrinogen had any effect on the amount of platelet-vWf expressed on unstimulated platelets or on the amount expressed on platelets stimulated in the absence of extracellular Ca++. However, the antibody directed against GPIIb/IIIa inhibited 72% of the thrombin-induced increase in the platelet-vWf bound to the platelet surface when platelets were stimulated in the presence of 5 mmol/L Ca++. The antibody against GPIb did not inhibit the surface expression of platelet-vWf on stimulated platelets in the presence of Ca++. Purified normal human fibrinogen inhibited the surface binding of platelet-vWf to thrombin-stimulated platelets to a degree similar to that observed with the monoclonal antibody directed against the GPIIb/IIIa complex. These data indicate that platelet-vWf released from platelets binds primarily to the GPIIb/IIIa complex at or near the plasma fibrinogen binding site.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

DDAVP in type IIa von Willebrand's disease.

1-D-Amino(8-D-arginine)-vasopressin (DDAVP) infusion in three patients with type IIa von Willebrand's disease (vWD) resulted in a normalization of the factor VIII coagulant, factor VIII-related antigen, and von Willebrand factor (vWF) (ristocetin cofactor) activities and the bleeding time. The normalization of these hemostatic parameters persisted for four hours. Over the same time period there was a marked increase in the quantity of the vWF multimers when blood was collected in the presence of protease inhibitors. The vWF multimers present were even larger than the normal. When blood was collected in the absence of protease inhibitors, a smaller increase in the plasma vWF multimers was observed and fewer of the intermediate and larger vWF multimers were seen; multimers larger than those present in normal plasma were not visualized. The platelet vWF multimers and activities did not change with or without inhibitors. These studies suggest that there is a subgroup of patients with type IIa vWD who respond to DDAVP with complete normalization of their hemostatic abnormalities and whose vWF is sensitive to proteolysis.

Antigens↗

DDAVP infusion in five patients with type Ia glycogen storage disease and associated correction of prolonged bleeding times.

Five patients with glycogen storage disease type I (GSD-I) were evaluated for a bleeding diathesis and subsequently were given an infusion of 1-deamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin (DDAVP). Although platelet counts were normal or slightly elevated, the baseline template bleeding times were prolonged in four of the patients. Prothrombin times and activated partial thromboplastin times were normal, while ADP- and epinephrine-induced platelet aggregations were absent in the three patients tested. Ristocetin- and collagen-induced platelet aggregations were abnormal. Laurell and immunoradiometric determinations of the factor VIII-related antigen (vWf antigen) were decreased. Glyoxyl agarose gel electrophoresis of the patients' plasma revealed abnormal multimer patterns in four of the five patients. After the DDAVP infusion the platelet aggregation abnormalities persisted; however, the bleeding time and the von Willebrand antigen and activity corrected. We conclude that GSD-Ia patients may have a metabolically acquired form of von Willebrand's syndrome as well as an acquired intrinsic platelet defect, and that DDAVP may be useful in the management of bleeding in these patients.

Adult↗

Platelet von Willebrand factor: an important determinant of the bleeding time in type I von Willebrand's disease.

We studied 17 patients with moderate to mild type I von Willebrand's disease (vWd) and correlated the bleeding time with the plasma von Willebrand factor antigen (vWf Ag), the plasma vWf activity (ristocetin cofactor), the platelet vWf Ag, and the platelet vWf activity. We found an excellent correlation between the bleeding time and the platelet vWf activity and, to a lesser extent, between the bleeding time and the platelet vWf Ag. The length of the bleeding time was inversely proportional to the level of the platelet vWf (P less than .001) or, to a lesser extent, the platelet vWf Ag (P less than .05). The plasma vWf Ag and activity did not correlate significantly with the bleeding time. These studies indicate that the platelet vWf is one of the important bleeding time factors in type I vWd and that the platelet vWf plays an important role in the early steps of hemostasis.

Bleeding Time↗

Multicenter comparison of von Willebrand factor multimer sizing techniques. Report of the Factor VIII and von Willebrand Factor Subcommittee.

A multicenter study of various types of von Willebrand's disease (vWD) was conducted in order to compare the different electrophoretic techniques used to evaluate von Willebrand factor multimers in plasma. Seven laboratories participated in the blind study of eight plasma samples from two healthy subjects and six vWD types and subtypes (Ia, Ib, IIA, IIB, IIC and IID). From the results of the multimeric analysis of these samples, it appears that the differential diagnosis of vWD types and subtypes should be first approached by using a low-resolution electrophoretic technique, where each vWF multimer appears as a single band. Low-resolution techniques differentiate type I from type II, subtype Ia from Ib and also subtype IIA from other type II subtypes. When type II subtypes other than IIA are identified with these techniques, samples should be rerun using high resolution techniques that resolve each of the fastest migrating multimers in at least three subbands, and permit the differentiation of subtypes IIB, IIC and IID.

Electrophoresis, Agar Gel↗

Platelet von Willebrand factor: comparison with plasma von Willebrand factor.

Platelet von Willebrand factor (vWf) was compared to its plasma counterpart. The platelet vWf was different from plasma vWf in that the multimeric organization was different, larger multimers were present, and the ratio of vWf activity to antigen was higher. Platelet and plasma vWf were similar in their antigenic reactivity in the electroimmunoassay and by liquid phase radioimmunoassay. The amount of vWf activity in large platelets was significantly higher than in normal platelets while the antigen content, although somewhat higher, was not significant. These studies show differences between normal platelet and plasma vWf, and also suggest that platelet size must be considered when platelet vWf is measured in disease states.

Antigens↗