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platelet
Anucleate discoid corpuscles in peripheral blood, measuring about 1 um in diameter, derived from megakaryocyte cytoplasm.
Function:
1) platelets function in the 2nd phase of hemostasis (platelet aggregation)
2) they contain 2 types of granules, alpha granules & delta granules that release adhesion, coagulation & growth-factor molecules
3) platelets also produce microbicidal peptides active against bacteria & other pathogens, including malaria
4) platelets selectively bind to Plasmodium-infected erythrocytes & apparently kill intraerythrocytic parasites [2]
Laboratory:
1) platelet count as part of complete blood count (CBC) determines adequate numbers of platelets
2) platelet function is determined by:
a) platelet aggregation assay
b) bleeding time
Pharmacokinetics:
Life span of platelets in normal individuals is 5-7 days (also see platelet life span).
Related
antiplatelet agent
beta-N-acetylhexosaminidase in platelets
platelet aggregation; platelet function
platelet count
platelet disorder; thromboasthenia
platelet granule
platelet life span
platelet protein
platelet thrombus
platelet unit
General
anucleate cell
blood cell
References
- Saunders Manual of Medical Practice, Rakel (ed),
WB Saunders, Philadelphia, 1996, pg 590
- McMorran BJ et al.
Platelets kill intraerythrocytic malarial parasites and
mediate survival to infection.
Science 2009 Feb 6; 323:797.
PMID: 19197068