PLATELETS

OBJECTIVES
Platelets Production

Platelet Structure
Peripheral Zone
Sol-Gel Zone
Organelle Zone
Platelet Function
Platelet Function Tests

drmsaiem
Platelets Production

Are produced in the B.M. by fragmentation of the

Cytoplasm of Megakaryocytes.

Each Megakaryocytes is responsible for the production of

4000 platelets.

The time interval from differentiation of the stem cell to

the production of platelets averages about 10 days.

drmsaiem
Platelets production

Platelets production is under the control of humeral

agents known as Thrombopoietin.

The normal platelet count is about 250 x 109/l

(150-400 x 109/l).

The mean platelet diameter is 1-2 µm and the mean cell

volume 5.8 fl.

drmsaiem
Platelet Structure

drmsaiem
Platelet Structure

Though platelets are anuclear cytoplasmic fragments,

they contain a number of organelles, such as
mitochondria, microtubules, Dense Body, etc. These
organelles can be divided into three defined zones that
possess a unique function.
Peripheral Zone
Glycocalyx surround the platelet and is considered an
important component of the platelet membrane.

Platelet membrane, represents a fluid lipid bilayer

composed of glycoprotein, glycolipids, and lipoproteins.

drmsaiem
Platelet Structure (Peripheral Zone)

A number of GPs present in this area are responsible for

blood group specificity (ABO), tissue compatibility
(HLA), and platelet antigenicity.

Platelet membrane glyco-proteins serve as a receptor and

facilitate transmission of stimuli across the platelet
membrane.

Platelet membrane GPIb appears to be a primary

receptor for vWF, which serves to mediate the initial
adhesion of platelets to subendothelium.

drmsaiem
Platelet Structure

Platelet membrane GPIIb/IIIa functions as a receptor for

substance such as fibrinogen, fibronectin, and vWF,
thereby mediating platelet aggregation.

The platelet membrane also includes receptors for

substance such as ADP, thrombin, epinephrin, and
serotonin, which play a role in platelet aggregation.

drmsaiem
Platelet Structure

Sol-Gel Zone

The term Cytoskeleton is often used to describe this zone.

Microtubules and microfilaments are found within this

zone.

Microtubules encase the entire platelet, maintaining its

discoid shape.

drmsaiem
Platelet Structure

Microfilaments are present in the cytoplasm of the

platelet and are composed of actin and myosin-link
contractile protein.

Actin is the major contractile protein in the platelet

cytosol, accounting for 20-30% of the total platelet
protein, where as myosin composes 2-5% of the total
platelet protein.

drmsaiem
Platelet Structure

Organelle Zone
It is responsible for the metabolic activities of the
platelet.
Platelets contain three morphologically distinct types of
storage granules; Alpha granules, dense granules,
lysosomes containing acid hydrolases.
Alpha granules are more numerous (20-200 per platelet)
and contain a number of different proteins.
Dense bodies are fewer in number (2-10 per platelet) and
represent densely opaque granules in transmission
electron microscope (TEM) preparations.

drmsaiem
Platelet Structure

The contents of the dense body granules are;

Adenosine diphosphate (ADP)

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
Calcium
Catecholamines (epinephrine, norepinephrine)
Serotonin
Pyrophosphate
Magnesium.

The contents of both the alpha and dense granules are

released during the energy- dependent release reaction.

drmsaiem
Platelet Structure

Dense Tubular System (DTS)

 Important structure present in the cytoplasm of the
organelle zone of the platelets.
 DTS is derived from the smooth endoplasmic reticulum
of immature Megakaryocytes.

 The DTS is the site of prostaglandin and thromboxane

synthesis and sequestration of calcium.

drmsaiem
Platelet Structure

 It is primarily the release of calcium from the DTS that

triggers platelet contraction and subsequent internal
activation of platelets.

 Platelet activation is an energy- dependent process that

relies on the metabolic function of mitochondria. There
are about 10 to 60 mitochondria per platelet require
glycogen as their source of energy for metabolism.

 Resting platelet ATP (energy) production is generated by

glycolysis and the oxidative Kerbs cycle.

drmsaiem