Effect of ERK1/2 phosphorylation on the aggregation of the rat platelets in vitro

AIM: To study the influence of PD098059 on the rat platelet aggregation rate and the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 induced by the different agonists, and to observe the effects of phosphorylation of ERK1/2 on the platelet aggregation. METHODS: The maximal aggregation rate (MAR) was measured by nephelometry. The inhibitory rate of PD098059 and the appearing time of MAR were also observed. ERK1/2 phosphorylation was detected by Western blot. RESULTS: The phosphorylation of ERK1/2 was detected during aggregation induced by thrombin and ADP. PD098059 inhibited the MAR and phosphorylation of ERK1/2. Effects of PD098059 were different on the aggregation induced by thrombin and ADP. CONCLUSIONS: The phosphorylation of ERK1/2 is one of the cellular signal transduction mechanisms of platelets aggregation. Phosphorylation of ERK1/2 plays different roles during the platelet aggregation induced by thrombin and ADP.