Effect of alteplase on platelet function and receptor expression.

Objective To investigate the role of alteplase, a widely-used thrombolytic drug, in platelet function. Methods Human platelets were incubated with different concentrations of alteplase followed by analysis of platelet aggregation in response to adenosine diphosphate (ADP), collagen, ristocetin, arachidonic acid or epinephrine using light transmittance aggregometry. Platelet activation and surface levels of platelet receptors GPIb alpha, GPVI and alpha IIb beta 3 were analysed using flow cytometry. The effect of alteplase on clot retraction was also examined. Results This study demonstrated that alteplase significantly inhibited platelet aggregation in response to ADP, collagen and epinephrine in a dose-dependent manner, but it did not affect ristocetin- or arachidonic acid-induced platelet aggregation. Alteplase did not affect platelet activation as demonstrated by no differences in P-selectin levels and PAC-1 binding being observed in collagen-stimulated platelets after alteplase treatment compared with vehicle. There were no changes in the surface levels of the platelet receptors GPIb alpha, GPVI and alpha IIb beta 3 in alteplase-treated platelets. Alteplase treatment reduced thrombin-mediated clot retraction. Conclusions Alteplase inhibits platelet aggregation and clot retraction without affecting platelet activation and surface receptor levels.