Platelet‐Derived Factor V Is a Critical Mediator of Arterial Thrombosis

BackgroundCoagulation factor V (FV) plays a key role in hemostasis, is present in plasma and platelets, and has both pro‐ and anticoagulant properties; however, the contribution of platelet‐derived FV to arterial thrombosis remains undetermined. Methods and ResultsUsing transgenic mice with various levels of FV gene expression that was restricted to the plasma or platelets, the roles of platelet FV were evaluated in the regulation of arterial thrombosis and platelet activation. Mice with higher levels of platelet FV exhibited faster thrombotic occlusion of the carotid artery after injury compared with mice with lower platelet FV levels. Infusion of platelets with higher levels of FV into transgenic mice with undetectable levels of platelet FV reduced the time to carotid artery occlusion. In contrast, infusion of purified recombinant plasma FV into mice with undetectable platelet FV levels failed to reduce the carotid occlusion times following injury. Evaluation of isolated platelets revealed that platelet...