Platelets

Dr Humaira Kamal
Describe the structure of platelets

Enlist the functions of platelets

Explain the role of platelets in hemostasis
The process of forming clots in the walls of
the damaged blood vessels and preventing
blood loss while maintaining blood in a fluid
state within the vascular system
Structure
Minute ,round ---oval discs
Size
1-4 micron in diameter
Non nucleated
Can not reproduce

Formed in the bone marrow from megakaryocytes
Fragment into platelets

Bone marrow

Enters the blood

Normal concentration of platelets is between
150,000 and 300,000 per microliter

Cytoplasm contains
Contractile proteins similar to those found in
muscle cells
Actin and myosin molecules

Thrombosthenin
Residues of endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi
apparatus with their various enzymes & calcium
ions
Mitochondria
Enzyme systems that synthesize prostaglandins
fibrin-stabilizing factor
Growth factor causes
vascular endothelial cells
vascular smooth muscle cells
fibroblasts
to multiply and grow

Granules

Cell membrane
Coat of glycoproteins
Repulses adherence to normal endothelium
Causes adherence to injured areas of the vessel wall

Injured endothelial cells
exposed collagen
Phospholipids
Play a role in blood clotting process
Lifespan
in the blood of 8 to 12 days
Eliminated from the circulation
by the tissue macrophage system in the spleen
Adhesiveness
When they come in contact with rough surfaces
become activated & become sticky
Aggregation
Platelets group together and become sticky

Agglutination
Clumping together of platelets
Occurs because of some platelet agglutinins
Collagen and microfibrillar proteins
ADP released from damaged RBCs and
activated platelets
Thromboxane from activated platelets
Platelet activating factor from basophils
Epinephrine (stress)
Thrombin

Platelet plug formation
Vessel injury or atherosclerotic plaque rupture
subendothelial protein layer exposed
platelets bind to subendothelial vWF, and collagen via
surface glycoproteins.
platelets swell
release platelet agonists from granules
generate thrombin
activation of new platelets
crosslinking of platelet aggregate by surface glycoprotein
contractile elements pull fibrin threads
Importance of the Platelet Mechanism for Closing
Vascular Holes
multiple small holes through the endothelial cells are
closed by platelets actually fusing with the endothelial
cells to
form additional endothelial cell membrane
Role in blood clotting
Responsible for intrinsic prothrombin activator
Role of clot retraction
platelets are trapped in the clot contractile
protein are responsible
Role in prevention of blood loss
Secrete 5HT which causes constriction
sealing small damage in capillarirs
Role in Defense Mechnism
encircle foreign particle and cause phagocytosis


Anti-platelet agent Mechanism of action Agonist pathway
affected
Aspirin Irreversibly inhibits
COX
ADP, collagen,
TXA2
NSAID reversibly inhibits
COX
ADP, collagen,
TXA2
GP IIb-IIIa receptor Inhibits fibrinogen
and vWF binding
ADP, collagen,
thrombin, epi,
serotonin, TXA2

Thrombocytopenia
decrease in platelet count
Thrombocytosis
increase in platelet count





Thank you
Prevention of blood loss
achieved by several mechanisms
Vascular constriction
Formation of a platelet plug
Formation of a blood clot as a result of blood
coagulation
Growth of fibrous tissue into the blood clot to close
the hole in the vessel permanently.