Synthesis by cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells of two proteins structurally and immunologically related to platelet membrane glycoproteins IIb and IIIa

Human platelets participate in a number of adhesive interactions, including binding to exposed subendothelium after vascular injury, and platelet-platelet cohesion to form large aggregates. Platelet membrane glycoproteins (GP) IIb and IIIa constitute a receptor for fibrinogen that, together with fibrinogen and calcium, is largely responsible for mediating the formation of the primary hemostatic plug. Using highly specific polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies as probes, we could detect the presence of both of these glycoproteins in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Metabolic labeling of endothelium with [35S]methionine demonstrated that both GPIIb and GPIIIa were actively synthesized in culture. Using the technique of crossed immunoelectrophoresis, evidence was obtained that the endothelial cell forms of GPIIb and GPIIIa may exist complexed to one another after solubilization in Triton X-100