Release of sphingosine-1-phosphate from human platelets is dependent on thromboxane formation

Abstract

Background: Platelets release the immune-modulating lipid sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P). However, the mechanisms of platelet S1P secretion are not fully understood.

Objectives: The present study investigates the function of thromboxane (TX) for platelet S1P secretion during platelet activation and the consequences for monocyte chemotaxis.

Methods: S1P was detected using thin-layer chromatography in [(3)H]sphingosine-labeled platelets and by mass spectrometry. Monocyte migration was measured in modified Boyden chamber chemotaxis assays.

Results: Release of S1P from platelets was stimulated with protease-activated receptor-1-activating peptide (PAR-1-AP, 100 μM). Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and two structurally unrelated reversible cyclooxygenase inhibitors diclofenac and ibuprofen suppressed S1P release. Oral ASA (500-mg single dose or 100 mg over 3 days) attenuated S1P release from platelets in healthy human volunteers ex vivo. This was paralleled by inhibition of TX formation. S1P release was increased by the TX receptor (TP) agonist U-46619, and inhibited by the TP antagonist ramatroban and by inhibitors of ABC-transport. Furthermore, thrombin-induced release of S1P was attenuated in platelets from TP-deficient mice. Supernatants from PAR-1-AP-stimulated human platelets increased the chemotactic capacity of human peripheral monocytes in a S1P-dependent manner via S1P receptors-1 and -3. These effects were inhibited by ASA-pretreatment of platelets.

Conclusions: TX synthesis and TP activation mediate S1P release after thrombin receptor activation. Inhibition of this pathway may contribute to the anti-inflammatory actions of ASA, for example by affecting activity of monocytes at sites of vascular injury.