Abstract
Background: Cell derived microparticles (MP, 0.05-1μm) are released through exocytic budding of plasma membrane following cell stimulation. MP are involved in blood coagulation and inflammation. Chemical and physical cell activation and apoptosis can lead to MP formation; however, the mechanisms that lead to MP formation are not completely elucidated. Particulate matter (PM) is a mixture of solid and liquid particles suspended in the air, originated from a variety of sources. Their chemical and physical compositions depend on location, season and weather. Exposure to PM10 has been associated with increased cardiopulmonary morbidity and mortality.
The observation that PM10 induces cytosolic calcium mobilization, a well known mechanism of MP formation, is consistent with the hypothesis that PM induces the generation of MP.
Aim: To investigate whether PM10 induces the generation of procoagulant MP by human mononuclear cells (HMC).
Methods: The generation of MP by HMC was investigated through a cytofluorimetric analysis. HMC derived MP were discriminated first by size, as events conforming to a light scatter distribution within the 0.5-0.9 μm bead range in a SSC vs. FSC window and further identified as CD14 and annexin V positive events after incubation with fluorescein isothyocianate (FITC)-annexin V and allophycocyanin (APC)-anti CD14 Ab, in a APC vs. FITC window.
Results: Milan PM10 (10μg/cm² for 1h) induces the generation of procoagulant MP by HMC (baseline=182.7±36.19 vs PM10=4278±2372, events CD14+/annexinV+; mean±SEM).
Conclusions: PM10-mediated generation of procoagulant MP might contribute to understand the possible correlation between PM exposure and cardiopulmonary diseases.
- © 2013 ERS
