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Untitled - D Ank Unlimited

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plasmid 577 platelet antigens<br />

plasmid<br />

Extrachromosomal genetic structure that consists of a circular,<br />

double-stranded DNA molecule that permits the host<br />

bacterial cell to resist antibiotics and produce other effects<br />

that favor its survival. Plasmid replication is independent of<br />

the bacterial chromosome. Plasmids have been used widely<br />

in recombinant DNA technology.<br />

plasmin<br />

A serine protease proteolytic enzyme in plasma generated<br />

from its inactive precursor plasminogen. It is a<br />

90-kDa enzyme that derives from cleavage of a single<br />

arginyl–valyl bond in the C terminal region of plasminogen.<br />

It consists of two unequal chains, termed heavy<br />

(A) and light (B) chains, linked by a single disulfide<br />

bond. The A chain derives from the N terminal region<br />

of plasminogen. The B chain carries the serine active<br />

site. Plasmin catalyzes the hydrolysis of fibrin; thus, it<br />

facilitates the dissolution of intravascular blood clots. In<br />

addition to its fibrinolytic activity, plasmin has numerous<br />

other functions associated with coagulation, fibrinolysis,<br />

and inflammation that include: (1) enhancement of antibody<br />

responses to both thymus-dependent and thymusindependent<br />

antigens, (2) augmentation of agglutination<br />

by lectins, (3) facilitation of the escape of cells from<br />

contact inhibition in culture, (4) enhancement of cytotoxicity<br />

with or without participation of antibodies, and (5)<br />

stimulation of B cell proliferation.<br />

plasminogen<br />

The inactive precursor of the proteolytic enzyme plasmin.<br />

Several serine proteases such as urokinase convert<br />

it to active plasmin. It is a β globulin widely distributed<br />

in tissue, body fluids, and plasma and is a single-chain<br />

monomeric molecule. Plasminogen activation occurs in<br />

two stages. The GLU plasminogen activation begins with<br />

removal of two peptides at the N terminus of the molecule<br />

and conversion to Lys-plasminogen. The second step<br />

involves the rapid conversion of Lys-plasminogen to<br />

Lys-plasmin.<br />

plasminogen activator<br />

An enzyme produced by macrophages that converts plasminogen<br />

to plasmin, which degrades fibrin.<br />

IX<br />

Ib<br />

a<br />

s s<br />

β<br />

Actin<br />

binding<br />

protein<br />

Ic<br />

IIa<br />

β<br />

Ic<br />

IIa<br />

a a<br />

ss ss<br />

Actin<br />

filaments<br />

platelet<br />

A small (3 μm in diameter) round disk that is derived from<br />

bone marrow megakaryocytes and is present in the blood.<br />

Platelets function in blood clotting by releasing thromboplastin.<br />

They also harbor serotonin and histamine, which<br />

may be released during type I anaphylactic hypersensitivity<br />

reactions. Complement receptor 1 (CR1) is present on the<br />

platelets of mammals other than primates and is significant<br />

for immune adherence. Activated platelets cluster to facilitate<br />

blood clotting and release cytokines from preformed mRNAs<br />

that affect leukocyte migration and function in inflammation.<br />

platelet-activating factor (PAF)<br />

A phospholipid with a molecular weight of about 300 to<br />

500 Da formed by leukocytes, macrophages, mast cells, and<br />

endothelial cells that induces aggregation of platelets and<br />

promotes amine secretion, aggregation of neutrophils, release<br />

of enzymes, and an increase in vascular permeability. Its effect<br />

resembles that of IgE-mediated changes in anaphylaxis and<br />

cold urticaria. It may also participate in endotoxin shock and is<br />

derived from phosphorylcholine. The combination of antigen<br />

with the Fab regions of antibody molecules bound through Fc<br />

receptors to mast cells, polymorphonuclear leukocytes, and<br />

macrophages results in platelet-activating factor (PAF) release.<br />

PAF release accompanies anaphylactic shock and apparently<br />

mediates inflammation and allergic reactions. PAF induces<br />

a transient reduction in blood platelets, causes hypotension,<br />

and facilitates vascular permeability, but it has no effects on<br />

contracting smooth muscle and have no chemotactic activity.<br />

Probably more than a single compound have this activity. PAF<br />

is resistant to arylsulfatase B but is sensitive to phospholipases.<br />

PAF may induce bronchoconstriction and vascular dilation and<br />

leak and may serve as a significant mediator of asthma.<br />

platelet antibodies<br />

Refer to platelet antigens.<br />

platelet antibodies, drug-induced<br />

Amphotericin B, cephalothin, methicillin, pentamidine,<br />

trimethoprim-sulfamethoxizole, and vancomycin may all<br />

induce the synthesis of antiplatelet antibodies.<br />

platelet antigens<br />

Surface epitopes on thrombocytes that may be immunogenic,<br />

leading to platelet antibody formation, which causes<br />

such conditions as neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia<br />

β<br />

IIb<br />

IIIa<br />

IIIb<br />

? Talin? ? ?<br />

Schematic representation of principal platelet membrane glycoproteins indicating known or suspected complexes, disulfide bonds between chains,<br />

calcium-bonding domains, and interactions with cytoskeletal components.<br />

V<br />

P

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