Thromb Haemost 1976; 35(01): 120-123
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1647918
Original Article
Schattauer GmbH

The Platelet-Endothelial Cell – VIII Axis[*]

R. L Nachman
1   Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, The New York Hospital Cornell Medical Center, New York, U.S.A.
,
E. A Jaffe
1   Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, The New York Hospital Cornell Medical Center, New York, U.S.A.
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received: 06 August 1975

accepted: 06 August 1975

Publication Date:
02 July 2018 (online)

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Summary

Cultured human endothelial cells synthesize and secrete a protein(s) which has factor VIII antigen and von Willebrand factor activity. Subcellular membrane and granule fractions derived from human platelets also contain the factor VIII antigen and von Willebrand factor activity. Circulating platelets constitute a significant reservoir of VIII antigen containing approximately 15 % of the amount present in platelet-poor plasma. Thus normal platelets contain surface bound as well as intracellularly stored von Willebrand factor, a protein synthesized by endothelial cells which is required for normal platelet function.

* Presented at the Vth Congress of the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis, Paris, July, 1975.