Immobilized amyloid Aβ peptides support platelet adhesion and activation

Accumulation of amyloidogenic A beta peptides in the brain contributes to the onset of Alzheimer disease. A beta peptide deposits are also present in blood vessel walls, mainly deriving from circulating platelets. However, their effect on platelet function is unclear. We demonstrate that immobilized A beta peptides induce platelet adhesion and spreading through metalloproteinase-sensitive surface receptors. A beta peptides also fasten platelet spreading on collagen, and support the time- and ADP-dependent activation of adherent platelets, leading to stimulation of several signalling proteins. Our results indicate a potential role for peripheral A beta peptides in promoting platelet adhesion and activation in the initiation of thrombus formation. (C) 2013 Federation of European Biochemical Societies. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.