†These authors contributed equally.
Academic Editor: Graham Pawelec
Background: Platelet-derived extracellular vesicles (PEVs) are small
vesicles released by activated platelets that are gaining growing interest in the
field of vascular biology. The mode of platelet activation is a critical
determinant of PEVs release, phenotype and function. However, only very limited
information is available concerning the impact of the platelet purification
procedure on PEVs release. Methods: Washed or isolated platelets were
separated by differential centrifugations. For washed platelets, the platelet
pellet was washed by resuspension in PIPES buffer and finally resuspended in
HEPES buffer. Isolated platelets were obtained by directly resuspending the
platelet pellet in HEPES, skipping the washing steps in PIPES buffer. PEVs
release was induced in washed or isolated platelets by stimulation with different
agonist and analysed by Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis. Results:
Isolated platelets showed a higher release of PEVs upon adenosine diphosphate
(ADP) stimulation compared to washed platelets, whereas PEVs released upon
stimulation with strong agonists (thrombin, collagen, A23187, U46619) were
similar in the two groups. This different responsiveness to ADP was also observed
as a higher