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Leukocyte apoptosis in whole blood involves platelet‐dependent coaggregation
Author(s) -
Hartz S.,
Menart B.,
Tschoepe D.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
cytometry part a
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.316
H-Index - 90
eISSN - 1552-4930
pISSN - 1552-4922
DOI - 10.1002/cyto.a.10026
Subject(s) - platelet , apoptosis , pathogenesis , immunology , flow cytometry , platelet activation , biology , whole blood , microbiology and biotechnology , biochemistry
Abstract Background Activated leukocytes and platelet–leukocyte interaction are involved in the pathogenesis of thrombotic and inflammatory events. Because apoptosis is a prerequisite for the successful resolution of an inflammatory response, we investigated the amount of apoptotic peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) in whole blood and their possible functional relation with the platelet–leukocyte interaction by a flow cytometric assay using APO 2.7 antibody for the detection of apoptosis Methods Thirty healthy subjects volunteered for the study. PBL apoptosis in seven volunteers was induced by phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate or while standing at rest. Results Apoptosis was observed in all types of leukocytes (0.7% neutrophils, 1.5% monocytes, and 0.3% lymphocytes). Apoptosis was found predominantly in platelet and leukocyte coaggregates (<1% of nonaggregated leukocytes vs. 9% of platelet and leukocyte coaggregates). This phenomenon was even more pronounced after induction of leukocyte apoptosis in vitro (66% of platelet and leukocyte coaggregates). Conclusions Apoptosis and platelet–leukocyte interaction seemed to be closely related phenomena, and apoptotic leukocytes seemed to trigger adhesion and, hence, activation of platelets. Because platelet–leukocyte interaction is involved in the pathogenesis of thrombotic events, apoptotic leukocytes may constitute an additional prothrombotic trigger. Cytometry Part A 52A:117–121, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.