Characterization of an antibody directed against a 128 kDa glycoprotein involved in the thrombogenicity of the elastin-associated microfibrils.

We have developed a monospecific antiserum directed against a major glycoprotein in the elastin-associated microfibrils with an apparent molecular mass of 128 kDa (GP 128). When immunoblotting or enzyme-linked immunosorbent microassay was used, its IgGs recognized thrombospondin in a platelet lysate, but did not react with several basement-membrane-derived macromolecules, nor with plasma fibronectin. Similar patterns of immunofluorescence and immunoperoxidase were found after incubation of endothelial cells with either anti-GP 128 or anti-(platelet thrombospondin) IgGs. Both antibodies inhibited the microfibrils- and thrombin-induced platelet aggregation, and were without effect on the aggregation by other inducers. These results confirm that there is an antigenic homology between GP 128 and thrombospondin.