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J L Brash

Publications and source records attributed to J L Brash.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Fibrinolytic properties of lysine-derivatized polyethylene in contact with flowing whole blood (Chandler loop model).

This article reports on the concept of a fibrinolytic surface based on the preferential adsorption of endogenous plasminogen from blood. Data are presented indicating that such a surface, when pretreated with tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA), is able to dissolve nascent thrombus generated in contact with flowing whole blood. Polyethylene (PE) surfaces were modified by attaching a lysine-containing polymer using photochemical methods as reported previously (McClung et al., J Biomed Mater Res 2000;49:409-414). The lysine residues were bound chemically to the polymer via the alpha-amino groups leaving the epsilon-amino groups free (epsilon-Lys surface). Control surfaces were (a) unmodified PE, (b) PE modified with the coating polymer containing no lysine, and (c) PE modified with the polymer containing lysine bound via the epsilon-amino group. The materials in tubing form were evaluated in contact with nonanticoagulated flowing human whole blood in a modified Chandler Loop experiment. They were first treated with tPA to allow activation of adsorbed plasminogen to plasmin. It was found that thrombus formation was initiated within 15-25 min (depending on donor blood) on all surfaces, as indicated by the formation of platelet aggregates. On the controls (including the lysine-containing material in which the epsilon-amino group was used in the binding reaction) thrombogenesis continued till the tubing was occluded and blood flow ceased. On the epsilon-Lys surface, thrombogenesis was interrupted at various stages depending on the donor blood; in all cases any thrombus generated was dissolved within minutes. It was shown that thrombolysis was due to the fibrinolytic action of plasmin generated at the surface and not to plasmin formed by traces of tPA released into the blood. This work provides further evidence of the efficacy of this approach to the development of a fibrinolytic surface.

Blood↗

Fibrinogen adsorption and platelet lysis characterization of fluorinated surface-modified polyetherurethanes.

A polyetherurethane (PU) was modified using fluorinated surface-modifying macromolecules (SMMs). A double radiolabel method was used simultaneously to measure the number of adhered platelets ((51)Cr) and the quantity of adsorbed Fg ((125)I), in a cone-and-plate instrument. The objectives were to determine if adsorbed Fg levels correlated to platelet adhesion on the surfaces, and to assess if any reductions in platelet adhesion for the SMM-treated surfaces resulted from surface-induced platelet lysis, rather than changes directly related to lower platelet activation and attachment on the novel surfaces. Platelet lysis was determined from lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and unbound (51)Cr released into plasma isolated from whole blood exposed to test materials. The corresponding Fg adsorption, evaluated under the same platelet adhesion conditions, did not account for the reduced platelet adhesion on the treated surfaces. LDH and (51)Cr platelet release were very low and indicated no statistically significant differences between the materials. It was therefore concluded that platelet lysis did not contribute to the reduction in platelet adhesion characteristic observed on the SMM-treated surfaces. More importantly, the work emphasizes that the platelet activation cannot be inferred to by assessing the quantity of fibrinogen as is commonly done in the literature. The finding suggests a much more complex mechanism of action for the SMM surface modifiers. On-going work is investigating other Fg parameters such as protein binding affinity and protein conformational state in order to establish the mechanism by which the fluorinated surface modifiers may be reducing platelet adhesion via intermediary changes in initial protein adsorption.

Adsorption↗

Fibrinogen surface distribution correlates to platelet adhesion pattern on fluorinated surface-modified polyetherurethane.

In previous work, it had been shown that platelet adhesion could be reduced by fluorinating surfaces with oligomeric fluoropolymers, referred to as surface-modifying macromolecules (SMMs). In the current study, two in vitro blood-contacting experiments were carried out on a polyetherurethane modified with three different SMMs in order to determine if altered platelet adhesion levels could be related to the pattern of adsorbed protein and more specifically to the manner in which fibrinogen (Fg) distribution occurs at the surface. In the first experiment, the materials were placed in whole human blood and the adherent platelets were viewed with high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In a second experiment, the materials were incubated with human plasma with the absence of platelets. The plasma contained 5% fluorescent-Fg. The materials were then viewed with a fluorescence microscope and images were collected to define the distribution of high-density fluorescent-Fg areas. The SEM and fluorescent-Fg images were imported to Image Pro Plus imaging software to measure the area, length and circularity and a bivariate correlation test was conducted between the two sets of data. For area and length morphology parameters, there were high and significant correlations (r > 0.9, p < 0.05) between the platelets and Fg aggregates. The data suggest that the Fg distribution may serve as a predictor of platelet morphology/activation and provides insight into the non-thrombogenic character of biomaterials containing the fluorinated SMMs.

Adsorption↗

Interactions of fibrinolytic system proteins with lysine-containing surfaces.

Studies on the interactions of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and plasminogen with polyurethane surfaces containing epsilon-lysine moieties (epsilon-amino group free) are reported. These surfaces are considered to have the potential to dissolve nascent clots that may be formed on them. For adsorption from both single protein solutions and plasma, the surfaces were found to have a high capacity for tPA as well as plasminogen. A significant fraction of preadsorbed tPA was displaced from the epsilon-lysine surfaces upon contact with plasma. These surfaces, when preadsorbed with tPA and then incubated with plasma, were able to dissolve incipient clots formed around them. However, the clot-dissolving capacity diminished as the time of plasma incubation increased, presumably due to loss of tPA. It was also shown that in plasma, preadsorbed tPA is displaced from these surfaces largely by plasminogen, which thus appears to have a greater binding affinity than tPA for the epsilon-lysine moieties. Finally, it was found that in plasma, the epsilon-lysine surfaces interact with plasminogen in a dynamic manner, and that about 70% of the bound plasminogen is exchanging continuously with plasminogen in the plasma.

Adsorption↗

The influence of protein adsorption and surface modifying macromolecules on the hydrolytic degradation of a poly(ether-urethane) by cholesterol esterase.

Previous investigations have demonstrated that the inflammatory cell derived enzyme, cholesterol esterase (CE) could degrade polyurethanes (PUs) by hydrolyzing ester and urethane bonds. Studies that have investigated the development of protective coatings for PUs have reported that the polymer degradation of polyester-urethanes (PESUs) can be reduced with the use of fluorine containing surface modifying macromolecules (SMMs). Since these latter studies were carried out in the presence of relatively pure enzyme, it has not been shown if SMMs would still provide an enhanced inhibitory effect if surfaces were pre-exposed to plasma proteins. This would be more representative of the in vivo scenario since protein adsorption would occur before the appearance of monocyte-derived macrophages which would be a primary source of esterase activities. The current investigation has focused on studying the influence of fibrinogen (Fg) as a simple model of protein adsorption in order to assess the effect of CE in combination with protein on polyether-urethane (PEU) surfaces. The materials were prepared with and without SMMs, and were pre-coated with Fg prior to carrying out biodegradation studies. The pre-adsorption of Fg onto the modified and non-modified surfaces provided a significant delay in the hydrolytic action of CE onto the PEU substrates. However, the effect was gone by 70 days and by the 126th day of incubation, both Fg coated and non-Fg coated groups had the same level of degradation. The difference between Fg coated and non-coated substrates was much smaller for materials containing SMMs. In addition, the pre-adsorption of Fg did not alter the SMMs' ability to provide a more biostable surface over the 4 month incubation period.

Adsorption↗

Fluorinated surface-modifying macromolecules: modulating adhesive protein and platelet interactions on a polyether-urethane.

Polyether-urethanes (PEUs) have been the materials of choice for the manufacture of conventional blood-contacting devices. Nevertheless, biostability and blood compatibility are still among the principal limitations in their long-term application. Studies investigating the development of protective coatings for PEUs have shown that degradation can be reduced with the use of fluorinated surface-modifying macromolecules (SMMs). It has also been hypothesized that SMM-modified PEU surfaces may exhibit improved blood compatibility because other studies have shown a modulation in fibrinogen adsorption onto these surfaces. To determine the blood compatibility of a PEU-containing fluorinated SMMs, a series of in vitro experiments were designed to study the pattern of protein adsorption from plasma and then to assess the nature of platelet adhesion and activation on each substrate. Western blot analysis as well as single protein studies revealed that the dominant "adhesive proteins" [fibrinogen (Fg), fibronectin (Fnc), and vitronectin (Vnc)] were adsorbed on two of the SMM-containing PEUs in lower amounts relative to unmodified base. Platelet adhesion and activation data further highlighted the differences among the various substrates. It was shown that the unmodified base had a higher number of adhered platelets relative to the SMM-modified surfaces, and that of the SMM-containing substrates, which showed the lowest levels of adhesive proteins also, exhibited significantly lower platelet densities. Close morphological examination further revealed that platelets residing on these latter substrates were not appreciably activated. Based on the current evidence, it is believed that the fluorinated SMMs demonstrate good potential for the development of surfaces with minimal thrombogenic character in in vivo applications.

Adsorption↗

Deterioration of polyamino acid-coated alginate microcapsules in vivo.

The implantation of immuno-isolated recombinant cell lines secreting a therapeutic protein in alginate microcapsules presents an alternative approach to gene therapy. Its clinical efficacy has recently been demonstrated in treating several genetic diseases in murine models. However, its application to humans will depend on the long-term structural stability of the microcapsules. Based on previous implantations in canines, it appears that survival of alginate-poly-L-lysine-alginate microcapsules in such large animals is short-lived. This article reports on the biological factors that may have contributed to the degradation of these microcapsules after implantation in dogs. Alginate microcapsules coated with poly-L-lysine or poly-L-arginine were implanted in subcutaneous or intraperitoneal sites. The retrieved microcapsules showed a loss of mechanical stability, as measured by resistance to osmotic stress. The polyamino acid coats were rendered fragile and easily lost, particularly when poly-L-lysine was used for coating and the intraperitoneal site was used for implantation. Various plasma proteins were associated with the retrieved microcapsules and identified with western blotting to include Factor XI, Factor XII, prekallikrein, HMWK, fibrinogen, plasminogen, ATIII, transferrin, alpha-1-antitrypsin, fibronectin, IgG, alpha-2-macroglobulin, vitronectin, prothrombin, apolipoprotein A1, and particularly albumin, a major Ca-transporting plasma protein. Complement proteins (C3, Factor B, Factor H, Factor I) and C3 activation fragments were detected. Release of the amino acids from the microcapsule polyamino acid coats was observed after incubation with plasma. indicating the occurrence of proteolytic degradation. Hence, the loss of long-term stability of the polyamino acid-coated alginate microcapsules is associated with activation of the complement system, degradation of the polyamino acid coating, and destabilization of the alginate core matrix, probably through loss of calcium-mediated ionic cross-linking of the guluronic acid polymers in the alginate. These destructive forces may be slightly mitigated by using poly-L-arginine instead of poly-L-lysine for coating and by implanting in a subcutaneous instead of an intraperitoneal site. However, the long-term stability of such devices may require significant improvements in the microcapsule polymer chemistry to withstand such biological impediments.

Alginates↗

Towards practical soft X-ray spectromicroscopy of biomaterials.

Scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM) is being developed as a new tool to study the surface chemical morphology and biointeractions of candidate biomaterials with emphasis on blood compatible polymers. STXM is a synchrotron based technique which provides quantitative chemical mapping at a spatial resolution of 50 nm. Chemical speciation is provided by the near edge X-ray absorption spectral (NEXAFS) signal. We show that STXM can detect proteins on soft X-ray transparent polymer thin films with monolayer sensitivity. Of great significance is the fact that measurements can be made in situ, i.e. in the presence of an overlayer of the protein solution. The strengths, limitations and future potential of STXM for studies of biomaterials are discussed.

Adsorption↗

Protein adsorption to polyethylene glycol modified liposomes from fibrinogen solution and from plasma.

Unmodified and polyethylene glycol (PEG) modified neutral and negatively charged liposomes were prepared by freeze-thaw and extrusion followed by chromatographic purification. The effects of PEG molecular weight (PEG 550, 2000, 5000), PEG loading (0-15 mol%), and liposome surface charge on fibrinogen adsorption were quantified using radiolabeling techniques. All adsorption isotherms increased monotonically over the concentration range 0-3 mg/ml and adsorption levels were low. Negatively charged liposomes adsorbed significantly more fibrinogen than neutral liposomes. PEG modification had no effect on fibrinogen adsorption to neutral liposomes. An inverse relationship was found between PEG loading of negatively charged liposomes and fibrinogen adsorption. PEGs of all three molecular weights at a loading of 5 mol% reduced fibrinogen adsorption to negatively charged liposomes. Protein adsorption from diluted plasma (10% normal strength) to four different liposome types (neutral, PEG-neutral, negatively charged, and PEG-negatively charged) was investigated using gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting. The profiles of adsorbed proteins were similar on all four liposome types, but distinctly different from the profile of plasma itself, indicating a partitioning effect of the lipid surfaces. alpha2-macroglobulin and fibronectin were significantly enriched on the liposomes whereas albumin, transferrin, and fibrinogen were depleted compared to plasma. Apolipoprotein AI was a major component of the adsorbed protein layers. The blot of complement protein C3 adsorbed on the liposomes suggested that the complement system was activated.

Adsorption↗

Lysine-derivatized polyurethane as a clot lysing surface: conversion of adsorbed plasminogen to plasmin and clot lysis in vitro.

Polyurethane surfaces to which lysine residues are immobilized by photochemical methods are proposed as a basis for clot lysing surfaces. The lysines are attached in such a way that the epsilon-amino and carboxyl groups are free. We showed previously that these surfaces, when placed in contact with plasma, adsorb only plasminogen and virtually no other proteins (McClung et al., J. Biomed. Mater. Res. 49 (2000) 409). In this communication, data based on a chromogenic substrate assay are presented showing that plasminogen adsorbed to these surfaces is readily converted to plasmin in the presence of tissue-plasminogen activator (t-PA). Moreover, the rate of activation on the surface is considerably greater than in solution. Experiments demonstrating the ability of these surfaces to dissolve fibrin clots are also reported. Surfaces exposed to plasma and then to t-PA were placed in citrated plasma. On recalcification, clotting was initiated, but the incipient clots were soon dissolved. On control surfaces (no lysine or lysine in which the epsilon-amino groups were not available) coagulation continued until a stable clot was formed. Similar observations were made when the plasma/t-PA exposed surfaces were placed in a pure fibrinogen solution and thrombin was added.

Adsorption↗

Adsorption of plasminogen from human plasma to lysine-containing surfaces.

The objective of this work is to develop blood-contacting surfaces that will dissolve nascent clots that may begin to form on them. Surfaces were prepared consisting of a polyurethane to which a coating reagent was attached covalently by photochemical methods. The coating reagent was a polyacrylamide with lysine and benzophenone (for photochemical attachment) moieties pendant to the chains. It was hypothesized that via the lysine moieties such surfaces would show specific binding affinity for plasminogen, the principal component of the fibrinolytic system in blood. Surfaces of varying lysine content in which the lysine was bound through the alpha-amino groups, leaving the epsilon-amino groups free, were investigated. A control surface in which the lysine was bound through the epsilon-amino groups was also examined. Advancing water contact angles showed the surfaces to be hydrophilic. Hydrophilicity was found to decrease as the lysine content increased. Adsorption of plasminogen from plasma was studied using radioiodinated plasminogen as a tracer. For the epsilon-lysine surfaces, adsorption increased with increasing lysine content and reached a value of 1.2 microg/cm(2) for the surface with the highest lysine content, that is, in the range expected for a compact monolayer of plasminogen. The control surfaces, which contained either no lysine or lysine in which the epsilon-amino groups were unavailable, adsorbed very small amounts of plasminogen. Immunoblots were obtained for the proteins eluted from the surfaces after incubation with plasma. For the control surfaces, most of the proteins tested for (some 20 in all) were present. However, for the surface containing the highest concentration of epsilon-lysine, only plasminogen was detected in a significant amount. It is concluded that the epsilon-lysine surface adsorbs plasminogen to the exclusion of the other plasma proteins. Studies to examine the fibrinolytic properties of these surfaces will constitute the next phase of this work.

Adsorption↗

Peptide modified gold-coated polyurethanes as thrombin scavenging surfaces.

Thin layers of gold were deposited on polyurethane film and chemisorbed with three peptides having an N-terminal cysteine: Cys-Pro-Arg, Cys-(L)Phe-Pro-Arg, and Cys-(D)Phe-Pro-Arg. The ability of these surfaces to act as thrombin scavengers was evaluated. The peptides are related to the known thrombin inhibitor Phe-Pro-Arg chloromethyl ketone and were shown to have significant thrombin inhibitory activity in solution. Attachment of the peptides to gold was confirmed by water contact angle and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements. Thrombin adsorption from a buffer and plasma was investigated, and chromogenic substrate assays were carried out for thrombin activity on the surfaces and in the supernatant following adsorption. The data suggest that the peptide-modified surfaces are able to adsorb thrombin with high affinity from a buffer and that thrombin is taken up selectively from plasma. The Cys-(D)Phe-Pro-Arg modified surfaces showed particularly high affinity for thrombin. It was also found that the activity of thrombin adsorbed on the peptide surfaces was inhibited, and inhibition was greatest on the Cys-(D)Phe-Pro-Arg surface. We concluded that the peptide surfaces may have potential as antithrombogenic materials via their ability to scavenge and inhibit thrombin generated as a result of blood-material contact.

Adsorption↗

Exploiting the current paradigm of blood-material interactions for the rational design of blood-compatible materials.

The paradigm of tissue material interactions, which holds that protein adsorption is the first event following contact and determines the later interactions of cells, is invoked to propose a design strategy for biocompatibility. Control of protein interactions is the key element, and it is suggested that nonspecific protein adsorption must be prevented while the adsorption of specific proteins that are expected to result in appropriate bioactivity must be promoted. Modification with polyethylene oxide has been investigated extensively as a means of preventing nonspecific adsorption. Examples of proteins that could be targeted for specific adsorption are antithrombin III to prevent coagulation and albumin to minimize platelet adhesion. Two examples of surfaces designed for specific adsorption from the author's laboratory are discussed: the incorporation of thrombin binding peptides to give a thrombin scavenging surface, and the incorporation of lysine to give a plasminogen specific surface with the potential to dissolve clots.

Adsorption↗

Modification of liposomes with N-substituted polyacrylamides: identification of proteins adsorbed from plasma.

Liposomes prepared from DMPC (80%) and cholesterol (20%) were modified with a series of hydrophobically modified N-substituted polyacrylamides, namely, poly[N-isopropylacrylamide] (PNIPAM), poly[N,N-bis(2-methoxyethyl) acrylamide] (PMEAM), and poly[(3-methoxypropyl)acrylamide] (PMPAM). The hydrophobic group, N-[4-(1-pyrenylbutyl)-N-n-octadecylamine was attached to one end of the polymer chains to serve as an anchor for incorporation into the liposome bilayer. Liposome-polymer interactions were confirmed using fluorescence spectroscopy and chemical analysis. Microscopy revealed differences in aggregation tendency between unmodified and polymer-modified liposomes. Proteins adsorbed to liposome surfaces during exposure to human plasma were identified by immunoblot analysis. It was found that both unmodified and polymer-modified liposomes adsorb a wide variety of plasma proteins. Contact phase coagulation proteins, complement proteins, cell-adhesive proteins, serine protease inhibitors, plasminogen, antithrombin III, prothrombin, transferrin, alpha(2)-microglobulin, hemoglobin, haptoglobin and beta-lipoprotein as well as the major plasma proteins were all detected. Some differences were found between the unmodified and polymer-modified liposomes. The unmodified liposomes adsorbed plasminogen mainly as the intact protein, whereas on the modified liposomes plasminogen was present in degraded form. Also, the liposomes modified with PNIPAM in its extended conformation (below the lower critical solution temperature) appeared to adsorb less protein than those containing the 'collapsed' form of PNIPAM (above the LCST).

Acrylamides↗

Adsorption from plasma and buffer of single- and two-chain high molecular weight kininogen to glass and sulfonated polyurethane surfaces.

The adsorption of high molecular weight kininogen (HK) in its single-chain (SCHK) and two-chain (TCHK) forms from single protein solutions, plasma, and kininogen-deficient plasma, to glass and sulfonated polyurethane surfaces is reported. Using radiolabelling methods, it was found that in a single protein buffered system there was no difference in the adsorbed amounts of SCHK and TCHK over the concentration range 5-100 microg ml(-1) (similar to that in plasma). The adsorption of the two forms from normal plasma was also the same. However, immunoblots using an anti-HK antibody indicated that over the 2 h adsorption time, much of the SCHK present in the plasma was converted to TCHK: the band at 120 kD representative of intact SCHK disappeared, and bands at 56 and 46 kD representative of the heavy and light chains of TCHK were generated. To prevent conversion of SCHK to TCHK, the kallikrein inhibitor aprotinin (or in some cases a protease inhibitor cocktail), was added to the plasma in subsequent experiments. In addition, kininogen-deficient plasma was used (with either labelled SCHK or TCHK added) to avoid ambiguity in the tracer-population relationship. It was again found that there was no difference in the amounts of SCHK and TCHK adsorbed to glass and the sulfonated polyurethanes. The significance of these findings in relation to the reported anti-cell adhesion properties of adsorbed HK is discussed.

Adsorption↗

Encapsulation of various recombinant mammalian cell types in different alginate microcapsules.

Microencapsulation of recombinant "universal" cells with immunoprotective membranes is an alternate approach to somatic gene therapy. Therapeutic gene products secreted by these cells can be delivered to different patients without immunosuppression or genetic modification of the host's cells. The encapsulation of different mammalian cell types (epithelial cells, fibroblasts, and myoblasts) is compared among three alginate-based microcapsules: (1) calcium-linked alginate microcapsules with a solubilized core and a poly-L-lysine-alginate-laminated surface; (2) barium-linked alginate beads with a gelled core; and (3) a hybrid formulation of barium-linked alginate beads with a poly-L-lysine-alginate-laminated surface. The mechanical stability of the different microcapsule types, as measured with a cone-and-plate shearing apparatus, was superior in the two barium-linked alginate beads. All cell types maintained high viability (65-90%) in culture after encapsulation. The recombinant gene products secreted by these cells (human growth hormone MW = 22,000, human factor IX MW = 57,000, and murine beta-glucuronidase MW = 300,000) were able to traverse the three microcapsule types at similar rates. Cell numbers within the microcapsules increased twofold to > 20-fold over 4 weeks, depending on the cell type. Epithelial and myoblast cell numbers were not affected by microcapsule formulation; however, fibroblasts proliferated the most in the calcium-linked alginate spheres. These results show that for culturing fibroblasts in a mechanically stable environment the classical calcium-linked microcapsules are adequate. However, where mechanical stability is a more critical requirement, the solid barium-linked gelled beads are more appropriate choices.

Alginates↗

Protein and platelet interactions with thermally denatured fibrinogen and cross-linked fibrin coated surfaces.

In this work the hypothesis that a mature, cross-linked fibrin clot, pre-formed on a biomaterial, may be relatively nonthrombogenic was investigated. A cross-linked fibrin layer was formed on polyethylene which had been precoated with thermally denatured fibrinogen. Plasma protein adsorption and platelet interactions with the cross-linked fibrin and denatured fibrinogen surfaces were investigated. The adsorption of albumin, fibrinogen, and fibronectin from plasma was measured. For all three proteins, the cross-linked fibrin surface exhibited much higher levels of adsorption than either the thermally denatured fibrinogen or the polyethylene surface. Vroman peaks were observed for fibrinogen and fibronectin on polyethylene but not on the cross-linked fibrin and thermally denatured fibrinogen materials. In dilute plasma the thermally denatured fibrinogen surface showed considerable resistance to protein adsorption. However, at plasma concentrations greater than about 5% normal, this protein resistance was apparently lost. Platelet interactions (adhesion and release of granule constituents from adherent platelets) using suspensions of washed platelets in the presence of red cells were investigated at shear rates of 50, 300, and 525 s(-1) using a cone and plate apparatus. The levels of platelet adhesion on the different surfaces were in the order: adsorbed fibrinogen > cross-linked fibrin > thermally denatured fibrinogen = polyethylene. Platelets on the cross-linked fibrin surface also showed high levels of release indicating significant platelet activation. Scanning electron microscopic observations were in agreement with the platelet adhesion and release data, showing only a few (but well-spread) adherent platelets on the cross-linked fibrin surface.

Adsorption↗

Effect of single-chain and two-chain high molecular weight kininogen on adsorption of fibrinogen from binary mixtures to glass and sulfonated polyurethane surfaces.

The adsorption of fibrinogen from a single protein solution and from binary mixtures of fibrinogen and high-molecular-weight kininogen (HK) to glass and four sulfonated polyurethane surfaces is reported. The effect of the single-chain (SCHK) and two-chain (TCHK) forms of HK on fibrinogen adsorption was investigated. Using radiolabeling methods, fibrinogen adsorption from a series of mixtures having the same weight ratio of fibrinogen to HK as in plasma (50:1), but varying in total concentration, was measured. Fibrinogen adsorption from the mixtures was reduced on all surfaces compared to the single-protein solution, confirming the highly surface-active nature of this protein. However, except for glass, there was no significant difference between the SCHK and TCHK forms. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting analysis of the proteins eluted from the surfaces after contact with the fibrinogen-SCHK solutions indicated that although intact SCHK was essentially conserved, some transformation of SCHK to TCHK on the surface occurred during the course of the experiment. It is hypothesized that in purified form, in which HK is not complexed to prekallikrein or factor XI, the surface-binding domain is more available than in the complexed forms which are present in plasma. If so, then the removal of bradykinin by kallikrein, as occurs in generating TCHK, may not be required for the expression of surface-binding domain activity.

Adsorption↗