BETA-AMYLOID PROTEIN INDUCES PLATELET-AGGREGATION AND SUPPORTS PLATELET-ADHESION

The amyloid precursor protein (APP) is found in many cells including n eurons, endothelial cells and blood platelets. Beta-amyloid protein (b eta AP) is derived from APP and is deposited in brain and in cerebral microvasculature of individuals with Alzheimer's disease. In this stud y we demonstrate that beta AP interacts with human blood platelets. We found that human beta AP peptide (1-40) fibrils aggregate platelets a nd support their adhesion, and these interactions are mediated through platelet membrane integrin receptors. (C) 1994 Academic Press, Inc.