Figure 2.

Activated platelets enhance valve interstitial cell mineralization in vitro. (A and B) Calcification assay showing the effect of platelets added directly (n = 6) (A) or in co-culture (n = 6) (B) with valve interstitial cells. (C and D) RUNX2 (n = 6) (C) and BGLAP (n = 6) (D) gene expression is increased in valve interstitial cells following addition of activated platelets to cells cultured in mineralizing medium (PO4). (E) Measurements of BMP2 in cell supernatants show that the protein expression rises with platelets addition (n = 6). (F) Platelets stimulates alkaline phosphatase enzymatic activity in valve interstitial cells (n = 6). Values are presented as mean ± standard deviation. ALP, alkaline phosphatase; BGLAP, bone gamma-carboxyglutamic acid-containing protein; BMP2, bone morphogenetic protein 2; CTL, control; RUNX2, Runt-related transcription factor 2.