| Alpha granule | |
|---|---|
| Latin | granulum alpha |
| Code | TH H2.00.04.1.03005 |
In platelets, the term "alpha granules" is used to describe granules containing several growth factors.[1]
Contents |
Contents include insulin-like growth factor 1, platelet-derived growth factor, TGFβ, platelet factor 4 (which is a heparin-binding chemokine) and other clotting proteins (such as thrombospondin, fibronectin, and von Willebrand factor.
The alpha granules express the adhesion molecule P-selectin[2] and CD63.[3] These are transferred to the membrane after synthesis.
The other type of granules within platelets are called dense granules.
A deficiency of alpha granules is known as grey platelet syndrome.
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