Plasma factor V activation is prevented by activated protein C in the presence of phospholipid vesicles, not platelets.

Activated protein C (APC) is a vitamin K dependent anticoagulant which catalyzes the inactivation of factor V a and VIII a, in a reaction modulated by phospholipid membrane surface, or blood platelets. APC prevents thrombin generation at a much lower concentration when added to recalcified plasma and phospholipid vesicles, than recalcified plasma and platelets. This observation was attributed to a platelet associated APC inhibitor. We have performed serial thrombin, factor V one stage and two stage assays and Western blotting of dilute recalcified plasma containing either phospholipid vesicles or platelets and APC. More thrombin was formed at a given APC concentration with platelets than phospholipid. One stage factor V values increased to higher levels with platelets and APC than phospholipid and APC. Two stage factor V values decreased substantially with platelets and 5 nM APC but remained unchanged with phospholipid and 5 nM APC. Western blotting of plasma factor V confirmed factor V activation in the presence of platelets and APC, but lack of factor V activation with phospholipid and APC. Inclusion of platelets or platelet membrane with phospholipid enhanced rather than inhibited APC catalyzed plasma factor V inactivation. Platelet activation further enhanced factor V activation and inactivation at any given APC concentration. Plasma thrombin generation in the presence of platelets and APC is related to ongoing factor V activation. No inhibition of APC inactivation of FVa occurs in the presence of platelets.