A Model to Study Interaction between Platelets and Endothelial Cells in the Presence of Fibronectin and Fibrinogen

Abstract

Platelet adherence and subsequent aggregate formation on damaged vessel walls may be fundamental events in the initiation of an atherosclerotic lesion. To clarify the molecular mechanism of the interaction between platelets and endothelial cells, we have developed an in vitro model system; a porcine arterial endothelial cell monolayer cultured on type I collagen gel was partially injured and denuded, then ⁵¹Cr-labeled platelet binding to the injured area was measured. In this study, we found that in the presence of collagen both fibronectin and fibrinogen are essential for specific and significant platelet binding to the injured area of the endothelial monolayer.