Fibrin-induced release of platelet serotonin.

Human platelets were reacted with polymerized fibrin formed from human fibrinogen. The platelets adhered to the fibrin particles and this adhesion was followed by the release of serotonin from prelabeled platelets. The adhesion of platelets to fibrin was not inhibited by adenosine or prostaglandin E1. However, the subsequent Ca2+-dependent release of platelet serotonin was completely inhibited by these compounds. After the initial platelet-fibrin interaction, ADP and serotonin released from activated platelets may lead to additional platelet aggregation and release. Therefore, in addition to clot stabilization, fibrin serves as an initiator of the platelet release reaction. This in turn initiates the self-amplifying process of platelet aggregation.