Cytoskeletal F-actin, not the circumferential coil of microtubules, regulates platelet dense-body granule secretion

Platelets. 2012;23(4):259-63. doi: 10.3109/09537104.2011.620657. Epub 2011 Oct 11.

Abstract

Cytoskeletal F-actin assembly and microtubule reorganization are principal cellular events responsible for activation-induced platelet shape change; however, their roles in regulating platelet secretion have remained controversial. Herein, label-free microelectrochemistry techniques and pharmacological approaches are used to probe the role of F-actin and the microtubule in platelet dense-body secretion. Altered microtubule integrity via exposure to paclitaxel or vincristine had no effect on serotonin release in platelet suspensions. Disruption of F-actin by cytochalasin D (CytoD) or latrunculin A (LatA) substantially enhanced the rate of serotonin release, while inhibition of the F-actin-dependent platelet motor protein myosin IIA by blebbistatin had no effect. CytoD-treated platelets also showed enhanced serotonin quantal secretion rate. These results clearly indicate that F-actin, but not the microtubule, regulates platelet dense-body secretion and does so by serving as a physical barrier. This study also demonstrates the promise of microelectrochemistry for giving important insight into platelet quantal secretion mechanisms in future studies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Actins / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Blood Platelets / drug effects
  • Blood Platelets / metabolism*
  • Blood Platelets / ultrastructure
  • Cytoplasmic Granules / metabolism*
  • Microtubules / metabolism*
  • Paclitaxel / pharmacology
  • Platelet Activation / drug effects
  • Platelet Activation / physiology
  • Rabbits
  • Serotonin / metabolism
  • Tubulin Modulators / pharmacology
  • Vincristine / pharmacology

Substances

  • Actins
  • Tubulin Modulators
  • Serotonin
  • Vincristine
  • Paclitaxel