Characterization of Human Platelet Proteins Solubilized with Triton X‐100 and Examined by Crossed Immunoelectrophoresis

Abstract

Whole human platelets and platelet membranes have been solubilized in 1% Triton X‐100, and the solubilized proteins examined by crossed immunoelectrophoresis using rabbit antibodies raised against either whole platelets or isolated membranes. 90% of the platelet proteins were solubilized by this extraction. About twenty immunoprecipitates were observed using the extracts obtained from whole platelets, whereas normally eight immunoprecipitates were seen with extracts from isolated membranes. Albumin, factor VIII and fibrinogen were identified with monospecific antibodies. Correlation of the patterns obtained for platelets or membranes was obtained by addition experiments, by crossed‐line immunoelectrophoresis and by crossed immunoelectrophoresis of a mixture of extracts from unlabeled whole platelets and membranes isolated from platelets labeled by lactoperoxidase‐catalyzed ¹²⁵I iodination. Four sialoglycoproteins were identified by their reduced electrophoretic migration after neuraminidase treatment, and six proteins interacted with various lectins, indicating them to be glycosylated. Seven amphiphilic proteins were identified by charge‐shift crossed immunoelectrophoresis, and nine by crossed hydrophobic interaction immunoelectrophoresis with phenyl‐Sepharose. The topographical arrangement of the membrane proteins was examined with lactoperoxidase‐catalyzed ¹²⁵I‐labeled platelets as antigens, and by antibodies absorbed with a suspension of whole platelets. Four and six radioactively labeled precipitates could be identified using the platelet and membrane extracts, respectively, indicating them to be exposed at the outer platelet surface. This was confirmed by the use of antibodies absorbed with intact platelets.