Platelets secrete stromal cell-derived factor 1alpha and recruit bone marrow-derived progenitor cells to arterial thrombi in vivo

J Exp Med. 2006 May 15;203(5):1221-33. doi: 10.1084/jem.20051772. Epub 2006 Apr 17.

Abstract

The accumulation of smooth muscle and endothelial cells is essential for remodeling and repair of injured blood vessel walls. Bone marrow-derived progenitor cells have been implicated in vascular repair and remodeling; however, the mechanisms underlying their recruitment to the site of injury remain elusive. Here, using real-time in vivo fluorescence microscopy, we show that platelets provide the critical signal that recruits CD34+ bone marrow cells and c-Kit+ Sca-1+ Lin- bone marrow-derived progenitor cells to sites of vascular injury. Correspondingly, specific inhibition of platelet adhesion virtually abrogated the accumulation of both CD34+ and c-Kit+ Sca-1+ Lin- bone marrow-derived progenitor cells at sites of endothelial disruption. Binding of bone marrow cells to platelets involves both P-selectin and GPIIb integrin on platelets. Unexpectedly, we found that activated platelets secrete the chemokine SDF-1alpha, thereby supporting further primary adhesion and migration of progenitor cells. These findings establish the platelet as a major player in the initiation of vascular remodeling, a process of fundamental importance for vascular repair and pathological remodeling after vascular injury.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigens, Differentiation / metabolism
  • Arteries / injuries
  • Arteries / metabolism
  • Arteries / pathology
  • Blood Platelets / metabolism*
  • Blood Platelets / pathology
  • Bone Marrow Cells / metabolism*
  • Bone Marrow Cells / pathology
  • Cell Adhesion
  • Cell Movement*
  • Chemokine CXCL12
  • Chemokines, CXC / metabolism*
  • Endothelium, Vascular / metabolism
  • Endothelium, Vascular / pathology
  • Mice
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence
  • Myocytes, Smooth Muscle / metabolism
  • Myocytes, Smooth Muscle / pathology
  • Platelet Activation
  • Recovery of Function
  • Stem Cells / metabolism*
  • Stem Cells / pathology
  • Thrombosis / metabolism*
  • Thrombosis / pathology

Substances

  • Antigens, Differentiation
  • Chemokine CXCL12
  • Chemokines, CXC
  • Cxcl12 protein, mouse