[Isolation and purification of an inhibitor on platelet aggregation from Ixodes sinensis].

OBJECTIVE

To study the bioactive components in ticks which inhibit platelet aggregation, and to understand the molecular mechanism of tick-host interaction.

METHODS

Sephadex G-50 gel filtration and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were used to purify the platelet aggregation inhibitor from lxodes sinensis. Its molecular weight and purity were checked by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) of rabbit was used to examine the function of platelet aggregation inhibitor.

RESULTS

A purified platelet aggregation inhibitor was identified from L. sinensis with a molecular weight of 8 065. It inhibited platelet aggregation induced by ADP with strong potency. The inhibition of platelet aggregation reached over 90% under a concentration of 10 microg/ml.

CONCLUSION

An inhibitor of platelet aggregation from L. sinensis was identified, which may play an important role for ticks to successfully get blood meal from their hosts.