Examples for modulation of pulmonary melanoma metastasis through targeted interference with platelet receptors. In all experiments (performed by L.E. in the laboratory of M.P.S.), C57/BL6 mice were intravenously injected with 2.5 × 105 B16F10 melanoma cells, and pulmonary metastasis was evaluated after 10 to 14 days. (A) Antibody-mediated depletion of platelets prevents metastasis formation. (B) Inhibition of platelet GPIbα by function-blocking, monovalent Fab fragments results in a marked increase of pulmonary melanoma metastases. (C) Inhibition of GPIIb/IIIa by specific Fab fragments decreases the number of metastatic melanoma nodules in the lung. (D) Antibody-mediated blockade of GPVI does not significantly influence pulmonary melanoma metastasis. (E) P-selectin deficiency causes marked reduction of pulmonary melanoma metastasis.
