Platelet activation by oxidized low density lipoprotein is mediated by Cd36 and scavenger receptor-A

Objective-The interaction of platelets with low density lipoprotein (LDL) contributes to the development of cardiovascular disease. Platelets are activated by native LDL (nLDL) through apoE Receptor 2' (apoER2')-mediated signaling to p38(MAPK) and by oxidized LDL (oxLDL) through lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) signaling to Rho A and Ca2+. Here we report a new mechanism for platelet activation by oxLDL. Methods and Results-Oxidation of nLDL increases p38MAPK activation through a mechanism that is (1) independent of LPA, and (2) unlike nLDL-signaling not desensitized by prolonged platelet-LDL contact or inhibited by receptorassociated protein or chondroitinase ABC. Antibodies against scavenger receptors CD36 and SR-A alone fail to block p38MAPK activation by oxLDL but combined blockade inhibits p38MAPK by > 40% and platelet adhesion to fibrinogen under flow by > 60%. Mouse platelets deficient in either CD36 or SR-A show normal p38MAPK activation by oxLDL but combined deficiency of CD36 and SR-A disrupts oxLDL-induced activation of p38MAPK by > 70%. Conclusion-These findings reveal a novel platelet-activating pathway stimulated by oxLDL that is initiated by the combined action of CD36 and SR-A.