The Platelet As A Inflammatory Cell: Modification Of Cytoskeletal And Contractile Protein Expression Of The Vascular Wall

Despite its structural simplicity, platelets are functionally complex cells due to their ability to produce and release biomolecules. Hence its importance in the development of atherosclerosis. An in vitro experiment was conducted to study the effect of the platelets on the vascular wall by observing changes in the cytoskeletal protein expression in bovine aortic segments incubated with platelet rich plasma. With the aim of simulating an inflammatory state (atherosclerosis), these same measurements were performed on aortic segments pre-stimulated with tumour. necrosis factor. We observed a modulation of the expression of most of the cytoskeletal proteins in healthy aorta segments. However, the number of modified proteins was less in pre-stimulated segments. These results may reflect a dual platelet capacity to alter vascular contractility in relation to the inflammatory condition of the vascular wall. (C) 2013 SEACV. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L. All rights reserved.