Platelet structure & functions
Presented by:
Raju Kalita
1st Year, MMLS Hematology & Blood Banking,
LGBRIMH
Introduction
• Platelets(Thrombocytes) are produced by the bone marrow .They are the cytoplasmic fragments of large bone
marrrow cells called megakaryocytes. They are non-nucleated and are round or oval disc shaped blood cells
• Smallest blood cells – 2 to 4 µm
• Normal platelet count:- 1.5 to 4 lakhs/mm3
• Normally the volume ranges from 7-11 fl.
Platelets Production
• Platelets are produced from a large bone marrow cells called megakaryocytes. As megakaryocyte develop into
giant cell, they undergo a process of fragmentation that results in the release of over 1,000 platelets per
megakaryocytes.
• The dominant hormone controlling megakaryocyte development is thrombopoietin(TPO), a hormone produced
by liver and kidneys.
Myeloid stem cells / progenitor cells Megakaryoblast
Platelets Megakaryocyte
Ultrastructure of Platelets
Cell Membrane
Trilaminar unit
Covered by Glycoproteins including Glycoprotein Receptors and
Mucopolysaccharides
Prevent adherence of platelets to the normal vascular endothelium
Cytoplasm
Has microtubules beneath the membrane
Responsible for disc shape
Has contractile proteins
Granules
Dense Granules
ATP/ADP, Serotonin, Ca++, Prostaglandins
Alpha Granules
Fibrinogen
vWF- von Willebrand Factor
Platelet canalicular system
Open canaliculi
Dense tubules(closed canaliculi)
These tubules or canaliculi are not open to the exterior. They maintain a high concentration of Ca++ within them.
Properties of Platelet
Platelet Adhesion:-
Due to injury to vessel endothelium the subendothelial collagen is exposed.
This causes binding of von Willebrand factor to the subendothelial collagen.
Platelets in turn bind with von Willebrand factor via GP1b receptor .
Platelet Activation:-
Change in shape – Become irregular with many pseudopod formations.
Release Reaction – Release contents of alpha and dense granules.
Platelet Aggregation:-
Platelets bind with other platelets via fibrinogen – GPIIb/IIIa
Functions
Role in hemostasis
Blood coagulation
Clot retraction
Vascular growth
Temporary Hemostasis
Platelet Plug Formation
Blood Coagulation
Blood Coagulation
Release of platelet phospholipids and other factors that initiate and aid in clot formation
Platelets play a role in intrinsic pathway for clot formation
Clot Retraction
Within a few minutes after clot is formed, it begins to contract and usually
squeeze out most of the fluid called serum
This phenomenon is called clot retraction
Platelets(entrapped in the clot) release a factor called fibrinstabilizing factor
The contractile proteins within these platelets pulls the clot closer
Vascular Growth
PDGF Platelet Derived Growth Factor
Present in the cytoplasm of platelets plays an important role in the repair of
endothelium
Disorders of Platelet
Thrombocytopenia (Low Platelet Count)
Thrombocytopenia is characterized by a platelet count below 150,000/μL. It can result from:
Decreased platelet production: Bone marrow failure, leukemia, or myelodysplastic syndromes.
Increased platelet destruction: Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), or heparin-
induced thrombocytopenia (HIT).
Splenic sequestration: Splenomegaly due to liver disease or other conditions.
Thrombocytosis (High Platelet Count)
Thrombocytosis is characterized by a platelet count above 450,000/μL. It can result from:
Primary thrombocytosis: Essential thrombocythemia, a myeloproliferative neoplasm.
Secondary thrombocytosis: Infection, inflammation, cancer, or iron deficiency.
Thrombasthenia (Platelet Dysfunction)
Thrombasthenia refers to conditions where platelets are present in normal numbers but do not function properly. This can
result from:
• Inherited disorders: Glanzmann thrombasthenia, Bernard-Soulier syndrome.
• Acquired disorders: Medications (e.g., aspirin, NSAIDs), uremia, or myeloproliferative neoplasms.
Acquired Platelet Disorders
Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP)
ITP is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks platelets, leading to thrombocytopenia.
Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT)
HIT is a medication-induced platelet disorder that occurs in some patients receiving heparin.
Inherited Platelet Disorders
Bernard-Soulier Syndrome
Bernard-Soulier syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by thrombocytopenia, large platelets, and platelet
dysfunction.
Glanzmann Thrombasthenia
Glanzmann thrombasthenia is a rare genetic disorder characterized by platelet dysfunction due to defects in platelet
glycoproteins.
In Peripheral Blood Smear
Thank you