Open AccessWater channels in platelet volume regulation
Author(s) -
Lee JinSook,
Agrawal Shivani,
von Turkovich Michele,
Taatjes Douglas J.,
Walz Daniel A.,
Jena Bhanu P.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
journal of cellular and molecular medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.44
H-Index - 130
eISSN - 1582-4934
pISSN - 1582-1838
DOI - 10.1111/j.1582-4934.2011.01362.x
Subject(s) - platelet , microbiology and biotechnology , chemistry , aquaporin , platelet activation , organelle , chloride channel , water transport , biophysics , biochemistry , biology , immunology , water flow , environmental engineering , engineering
The regulation of platelet volume significantly affects its function. Because water is the major molecule in cells and its active transport via water channels called aquaporins (AQPs) have been implicated in cellular and organelle volume regulation, the presence of water channels in platelets and their potential role in platelet volume regulation was investigated. G‐protein–mediated AQP regulation in secretory vesicle swelling has previously been reported in neurons and in pancreatic acinar cells. Mercuric chloride has been demonstrated to inhibit most AQPs except AQP6, which is stimulated by the compound. Exposure of platelets to HgCl 2 ‐induced swelling in a dose‐dependent manner, suggesting the presence of AQP6 in platelets. Immunoblot analysis of platelet protein confirmed the presence of AQP6, and also of G αo , G αi–1 and G αi–3 proteins. Results from this study demonstrate for the first time that in platelets AQP6 is involved in cell volume regulation via a G‐protein–mediated pathway.