platelet
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Introduction
Anucleate discoid corpuscles in peripheral blood, measuring about 1 um in diameter, derived from megakaryocyte cytoplasm.
Function
- platelets function in the 2nd phase of hemostasis (platelet aggregation)
- they contain 2 types of granules, alpha granules & delta granules that release adhesion, coagulation & growth-factor molecules
- platelets also produce microbicidal peptides active against bacteria & other pathogens, including malaria
- platelets selectively bind to Plasmodium-infected erythrocytes & apparently kill intraerythrocytic parasites[2]
Pharmacokinetics
Life span of platelets in normal individuals is 5-7 days (also see platelet life span).
Laboratory
- platelet count as part of complete blood count (CBC) determines adequate numbers of platelets
- platelet function is determined by:
More general terms
Additional terms
- antiplatelet agent
- platelet aggregation; platelet function
- platelet count
- platelet disorder; thromboasthenia
- platelet granule
- platelet life span
- platelet protein
- platelet thrombus
- platelet unit
References
- ↑ Saunders Manual of Medical Practice, Rakel (ed), WB Saunders, Philadelphia, 1996, pg 590
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 McMorran BJ et al. Platelets kill intraerythrocytic malarial parasites and mediate survival to infection. Science 2009 Feb 6; 323:797. PMID: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19197068