Download PDF
Semin Thromb Hemost 2010; 36(8): 876-880
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1267041
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Microparticle Size and Its Relation to Composition, Functional Activity, and Clinical Significance

Wenche Jy1 , Lawrence L. Horstman1 , Yeon S. Ahn1
  • 1Wallace H Coulter Platelet Laboratory, Division of Hematology & Oncology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Miami, Florida
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
03 November 2010 (online)

   Buy Article Permissions and Reprints
Zoom Image

ABSTRACT

It is emerging that cell-derived microparticles (MP) have multiple functional activities in areas including hemostasis, thrombosis, inflammation, and as messengers in the transport of bioactive lipids, cytokines, complement, and immune signaling. Some of these activities may be performed by distinct phenotypic subsets of MP, even if derived from the same cell type. The focus of this article concerns the size classes of MP, covering methods of MP size measurement, differences in composition between size classes, and relation of size to functional (procoagulant) activity. Some of the issues considered remain to be resolved, such as whether the MP known as exosomes are truly a distinct class of MP, as well as the detailed mechanisms underlying the release of MP of different size ranges.

KEYWORDS

Size analysis - microparticles - nanoparticles - exosomes