Platelet glycocalicin. I. Orientation of glycoproteins of the human platelet surface.

The orientation of proteins and glycoproteins of the platelet surface has been studied using various surface probes and labeling reagents. A fourth major glycoprotein has now been detected in platelet plasma membranes by sodium dodecyl sulfate-gel electrophoresis in addition to the previously recognized glycoproteins I, II, and III. Glycoprotein IV Mr, = approximately 87,000) appears to be present on the inner aspect of the membrane or buried within it since it is not accessible to surface probes such as lactoperoxidase-catalyzed iodination, radiolabeling with transglutaminase and [14C]glycine ethyl ester, or proteolytic enzymes. The ratio of these four major membrane-bound glycoproteins is approximately 10:4:2:3. Contrary to previous reports, only one glycoprotein, glycoprotein III, is accessible to lactoperoxidase-catalyzed iodination in intact platelets. Differences in the rate of destruction of glycoprotein II in intact platelets by trypsin suggests that two components may be migrating in this region. Examination of the soluble fraction obtained following platelet homogenization showed the presence of a single soluble glycoprotein of molecular weight 148,000 comprising about 10% of total platelet sialic acid. Treatment of intact platelets with neuraminidase resulted in the quantitative loss of siliac acid from the soluble glycoprotein, and it was strongly labeled in the intact platelet by [14C]glycine ethyl ester in the presence of transglutaminase. Treatment of intact platelets with chymotrypsin which does not cause the platelet release reaction, caused the rapid conversion of the soluble glycoprotein to a macroglycopeptide. These results indicate a surface origin for the soluble glycoprotein rather than a cytoplasmic or granular origin. The term glycocalicin is suggested for this glycoprotein in view of its origin in the platelet glycocalyx.