Release of Vasoactive Amines from Rabbit Platelets Induced by Antiplatelet Antibody in the Presence and Absence of Complement

Abstract

Two actions of heterologous antiplatelet antibody on rabbit platelets have been described. The release of vasoactive amines from platelets by antibody in the absence of complement required an active energy-requiring participation on the part of the platelet and did not result in cytolysis. Antibody with at least two combining sites was needed, but no loss of activity occurred if the Fc piece was removed. In contrast, antibody in the presence of rabbit complement caused cytolysis and loss of internal constituents including cytoplasmic and lysosomal enzymes.