Platelet-mediated angiogenesis is independent of VEGF and fully inhibited by aspirin.

ABSTRACT:

Background and purpose

Platelets are major players in every step of vessel development through the local delivery of angiogenesis-modulating factors, including the pro-angiogenic protein VEGF and the anti-angiogenic endostatin. Although thrombin is a potent agonist and is highly elevated in angiogenesis-related diseases, studies regarding its action on the release of platelet angiogenic factors are scarce and controversial. Herein, we have investigated the role of thrombin not only in VEGF and endostatin release but also in net platelet angiogenic activity.

Experimental approach

Human platelets were stimulated with thrombin in the presence of the various inhibitors of the signalling pathways involved in platelet activation. Supernatants/releasates were used to determine the

SUBMITTER: Etulain J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3834751 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature