The aim of this research was to evaluate in vitro interactions between platelets and polymorphonuclear leukocytes. The effects of supernatant from thrombin-activated platelets and two platelet release products (adenosine triphosphate and beta-thromboglobulin) were tested on the following features of polymorphonuclear leukocytes activation: opsonized zymosan and phorbol myristate acetate stimulated chemiluminescence, release of membrane bound calcium, NADPH-oxidase activity, and membrane fluidity (fluorescent polarization). The results showed that the addition of platelet supernatant to polymorphonuclear leukocytes induces a significant activation of cells. On the other hand, after three hours of preincubation of polymorphonuclear leukocytes with platelet supernatant, a decreased response of polymorphonuclear leukocytes to stimulation with phorbol myristate acetate, a significant decrease in NADPH-oxidase activity, and a lowered membrane fluidity were observed. Adenosine triphosphate modulated only opsonized zymosan stimulated chemiluminescence, with and without preincubation with polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Beta-thromboglobulin caused a decrease of the chemiluminescent response of polymorphonuclear leukocytes, using both agonists, with and without preincubation with polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Moreover beta-thromboglobulin only caused a decrease of the polymorphonuclear leukocytes membrane fluidity without preincubation with the cells. These results support the thesis that platelets have a "time-related" modulating activity on polymorphonuclear leukocytes.
