B. Schwippert-houtermans et al., Evaluation of an antibody-based genotype classification of the platelet fibrinogen receptor (GPIIb/IIIa), CYTOMETRY, 46(4), 2001, pp. 238-242
Platelet membrane glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa is the central molecule in pla
telet adhesion and aggregation by high-affinity binding of fibrinogen. Poly
morphism of the beta chain of the receptor, especially the GPIIIa-proline33
allele [HPA-1b, Zwb, PI(A2)], has been suggested to be associated with a v
ariety of vascular diseases, such as coronary stenosis, myocardial infarcti
on, cerebral ischemia, or venous thrombosis. Using clinical chemistry stand
ards, we evaluate a flow cytometric whole-blood, antibody-based method to d
etermine the genotype EPI(A1A1), PI(A1A2), PI(A2A)] versus polymerase chain
reaction (PCR)based DNA restriction fragment length analysis in 220 indivi
duals. Both homozygous and heterozygous genotypes differ in the expression
of binding sites for the monoclonal antibody, SZ21. Agreement between the t
wo methods was achieved in 187 cases, which reflects a test validity of 85%
, a sensitivity of 83.6%, and a specificity of 85.4%. We conclude that flow
cytometry is reliable for classifying the PI(AX) genotype. The performance
characteristics are easy, fast, and cheap (genomics by proteomics). These
features make it suitable for screening patients and broad populations for
the future risk of cardiovascular ischemic events. (C) 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc
.