The platelet reactivity of the alpha 2(I)-chain of type I collagen: platelet aggregation induced by polymers of the molecule [alpha 2(I)]3.

Polymers of the collagenous species alpha 2(I) trimer, a molecule of which contains three alpha 2(I) chains derived from type I collagen, have been shown to induce the aggregation of platelets when tested at a temperature low enough to avoid loss of the tertiary structure of the molecule. Under these conditions, the alpha 2(I) chain appears to possess greater platelet reactivity than the corresponding type I collagen-derived alpha 1(I) chain. In contrast to previous reports of its lack of reactivity, our results indicate that the alpha 2(I) chain must contribute importantly to the overall platelet reactivity of collagen type I in vivo. Our findings furthermore support the concept that any collagen-like structure may be expected to interact with platelets provided due regard is given to tertiary and quaternary structural requirements.