Determination of the Density Distribution of Human Platelets - Methodological Aspects and Comparison with Other Tests for Platelet Activation

B A van Oost; I H van Hien-Hagg; B F E Veldhuyzen; A P M Timmermans; J J Sixma

doi:10.1055/s-0038-1657177

Thrombosis and Haemostasis, Table of Contents

Thromb Haemost 1982; 47(03): 239-243
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1657177

Original Article

Schattauer GmbH Stuttgart

Determination of the Density Distribution of Human Platelets - Methodological Aspects and Comparison with Other Tests for Platelet Activation

Authors

B A van Oost

The University Hospital Utrecht, Department of Haematology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
I H van Hien-Hagg

The University Hospital Utrecht, Department of Haematology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
B F E Veldhuyzen

The University Hospital Utrecht, Department of Haematology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
A P M Timmermans

The University Hospital Utrecht, Department of Haematology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
J J Sixma

The University Hospital Utrecht, Department of Haematology, Utrecht, The Netherlands

Abstract

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Summary

Stimulation of human platelets to release results in decreased buoyant density. This decreased density provides a tool to detect circulating platelets which have participated in a thrombotic process. Platelet density gradient centrifugation using Stractan was standardized and the effects of anticoagulation, temperature, and osmolarity were investigated. In 7 out of 32 patients with thrombotic disease less dense platelets were found. Platelet activation in the patient group was also indicated by spontaneous aggregation (10/32), decreased circulating platelet aggregate ratios (5/24) and elevated plasma β-thromboglobulin levels (2/11). Several of these tests were also abnormal in diabetes mellitus thrombocytosis, leukaemia and several systemic diseases with thrombotic complications. The platelet density test using Stractan is reproducible and independent of other tests for platelet activation and is therefore potentially a useful extension of platelet function testing in patients with thrombotic disease.

Key words

Platelet density - Plasma ²-thromboglobulin - Wu and Hoak ratio - Spontaneous aggregation - Thrombosis screening

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References

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