Electron microscopic observations on platelet aggregation induced by cationized ferritin.

Washed and gel-filtered human platelets were dose-dependently aggregated by the addition of cationized ferritin (CF). Ca++ and plasma factors were not necessary to induce the aggregation. Immediately after the addition of CF, CF particles were attached to the surface of platelets that showed discoid form, as observed electron microscopically. Some platelets were connected to each other through the CF particles located on their membranes. After the addition of CF, the following was observed: at 15 sec after, platelets showed a round form and were aggregated to each other; at 3 min after, centralization of granules was clearly seen and the aggregates increased their size during the time course; at 3-5 min after, the CF-connected aggregates were found locally. Around the aggregates, other platelets were aggregated, though not through the membrane-located CF. Observing with a lumiaggregometer, the aggregation showed a biphasic curve associated with adenosine triphosphate (ATP) release. The second part of aggregation curve was inhibited by PGI2, PGE1, aspirin, N-ethylmaleimide, and apyrase. The first part of the aggregation curve was inhibited only by heparin. Neuraminidase treatment also inhibited the aggregation dose-dependently. These findings suggest that neutralization of the platelet surface negative charge by a positively charged macromolecule can trigger platelet aggregation, which is followed by the release reaction.