Sphingosine 1-phosphate as a novel bioactive lipid released from activated platelets.

Abstract

Blood platelets are very unique in that they store Sph-1-P abundantly (possibly due to the existence of highly active Sph kinase and a lack of Sph-1-P lyase) and release this bioactive lipid extracellularly upon stimulation. Platelet-derived Sph-1-P seems to play an important role in vascular biology, and manipulation of Sph-1-P activities may greatly influence vascular system development or events (involving hemostasis, thrombosis, atherosclerosis, angiogenesis, and wound healing). Selective Edg antagonists may have great potential as drugs to control vascular diseases.