Release of a product of growth arrest-specific gene 6 from rat platelets

A product of growth arrest-specific gene 6 (Gas6) is known to be synthesize d by growth-arrested cells. In this study, we found that several rat tissue s including platelets contain Gas6 and activation of the platelets with thr ombin provoked the release of Gas6, ADP and collagen, which as well as thro mbin stimulated release of ATP from platelets, also enhanced the release of Gas6, suggesting that the mechanism of its release was similar to that of ATP release. This study provides the first evidence of growth arrest-indepe ndent secretion of Gas6 and suggests the involvement of Gas6 in vascular di seases as well as hemostasis. (C) 2000 Federation of European Biochemical S ocieties.