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Thromb Haemost 1974; 32(02/03): 492-501
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1647717
Original Article
Schattauer GmbH

The Function of the Platelet Surface in Coagulation

Some Preliminary Observations, with Two New Tests of Platelet function
J Burnham King
1   Department of Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital and University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Further Information

Publication History

Received 25 June 1974

Accepted 10 September 1974

Publication Date:
24 July 2018 (online)

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Summary

Platelets washed by the albumen density gradient technique were used as the sole source of thromboplastin in a new test, and also as the sole source of factor X in a modification of the one-stage factor X assay test of Denson. These platelets were shown to be capable of generating considerable amounts of thrombin during periods of preincubation of up to 8 minutes. For at least 3 minutes of preincubation their size and shape remained invariant, as measured by counting and by sizing on a Coulter channelyser. It is suggested that this test measures a function of the platelet surface, rather than of the platelet after viscous metamorphosis. This function is tentatively named platelet catalytic activity (PCA). Support for this concept was given by the fact that aspirin and phenylbutazone did not affect the test. The factor X assay system confirmed the presence of a small amount of mostly inactive factor X on the surface of the platelet. This factor X could be activated by Russell viper venom.

 

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