Fibrinogen binding to the integrin αIIbβ3 modulates store-mediated calcium entry in human platelets

Effects of the occupation of integrin alpha (IIb)beta (3) by fibrinogen on Ca++ signaling in fura-2-loaded human platelets were investigated. Adding fibrinogen to washed platelet suspensions inhibited increases in cytosolic [Ca++] concentrations ([Ca++](i)) evoked by adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and thrombin in a concentration-dependent manner in the presence of external Ca++ but not in the absence of external Ca++ or in the presence of the nonselective cation channel blocker SKF96365, indicating selective inhibition of Ca++ entry. Fibrinogen also inhibited store-mediated Ca++ entry (SMCE) activated after Ca++ store depletion using thapsigargin. The inhibitory effect of fibrinogen was reversed if fibrinogen binding to alpha (IIb)beta (3) was blocked using RDGS or abciximab and was absent in platelets from patients homozygous for Glanzmann thrombasthenia, Fibrinogen was without effect on SMCE once activated. Activation of SMCE in platelets occurs through conformational coupling between the intracellular stores and the plasma membrane and requires remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton. Fibrinogen inhibited actin polymerization evoked by ADP or thapsigargin in control cells and in cells loaded with the Ca++ chelator dimethyl BAPTA. It also inhibited the translocation of the tyrosine kinase p60(src) to the cytoskeleton. These results indicate that the binding of fibrinogen to integrin alpha (IIb)beta (3) inhibits the activation of SMCE in platelets by a mechanism that may involve modulation of the reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton and the cytoskeletal association of p60(src). This action may be important in intrinsic negative feedback to prevent the further activation of platelets subjected to low-level stimuli in vivo. (Blood.2001;97:2648-2656) (C) 2001 by The American Society of Hematology.