Platelet derived FasL contributes to apoptosis in stroke
Kraft P, Schleicher R, Olbrich M, Schuhmann MK, Blanz KD, Emschermann F, Ebenhoech S, Starz C, Hilgendorf I, Meuth SG, Edlich F, Kleinschnitz C, Langer HF.
Thromb Haemost. online article
In response to vascular and tissue injury, circulating platelets are the first cells, which adhere to the site of endothelial damage to initiate thrombus formation and tissue regeneration. We have previously shown that platelets can mediate the regulated cell death apoptosis via the cell surface-bound Fas ligand (FasL), engaging Fas receptors (CD95, APO-1) on target cells. Here, we analyzed the importance of platelet-derived FasL for neuronal apoptosis by inducing stroke in FasLΔm/Δm mice and found that apoptosis was reduced in comparison to wild-type control animals. Importantly, reinjection of WT platelets into FasLΔm/Δm mice partially reversed the phenotype of decreased apoptosis in the stroke tissue. Platelet-dependent apoptosis plays a significant role in platelet-induced tissue remodeling following stroke.
