Abstract
Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from the cell envelope of Gram-negative bacteria is a principal cause of the symptoms of sepsis. LPS has been reported to modulate the function of platelets although the underlying mechanisms of LPS action in these cells remain unclear. Platelets express the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) which serves as a receptor for LPS, although the potential role of TLR4 and associated cell signalling in controlling platelet responses to LPS has not been extensively explored. In this study, we therefore investigated the actions of LPS prepared from different strains of Escherichia coli on platelet function, the underlying signalling mechanisms, and the potential role of TLR4 in orchestrating these. We report that LPS increased the aggregation of washed platelets stimulated by thromboxane (U46619) or GPVI collagen receptor agonists, effects that were prevented by a TLR4 antagonist. Associated with this, LPS enhanced fibrinogen binding, P-selectin exposure and reactive oxygen species (ROS) release. Increase of ROS was found to be important for the actions of LPS on platelets, since these were inhibited in the presence of superoxide dismutase or catalase. The effects of LPS were associated with phosphorylation of Akt, ERK1/2 and PLA2 in stimulated platelets, and inhibitors of PI3-kinase, Akt and ERK1/2 reduced significantly LPS enhanced platelet function and associated ROS production. Furthermore, inhibition of platelet cyclooxygenase or the thromboxane receptor, revealed an important role for thromboxane A2. We therefore conclude that LPS increases human platelet activation through a TLR4-PI3K-Akt-ERK1/2-PLA2 -dependent pathway that is dependent on ROS and TXA2 formation.