Platelet alpha-granule

Alpha granule
Details
Latin granulum alpha
Identifiers
Code TH H2.00.04.1.03005
Anatomical terminology

In platelets, the term "alpha granules" is used to describe granules containing several growth factors.[1]

Contents of alpha-granules

Contents include insulin-like growth factor 1, platelet-derived growth factors, TGFβ, platelet factor 4 (which is a heparin-binding chemokine) and other clotting proteins (such as thrombospondin, fibronectin, factor V,[2] and von Willebrand factor).[3]

The alpha granules express the adhesion molecule P-selectin[4] and CD63.[5] These are transferred to the membrane after synthesis.

The other type of granules within platelets are called dense granules.

Clinical significance

A deficiency of alpha granules is known as gray platelet syndrome.

See also

References

  1. Harrison P, Cramer E (1993). "Platelet alpha-granules.". Blood Rev 7 (1): 52–62. doi:10.1016/0268-960X(93)90024-X. PMID 8467233.
  2. http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/118/5/1190
  3. Nurden AT (2011). "Platelets, inflammation and tissue regeneration". THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS 105 (Suppl 1): S13–S33. doi:10.1160/THS10-11-0720. PMID 21479340.
  4. Stuart H. Orkin; David G. Nathan; David Ginsburg; A. Thomas Look (2009). Nathan and Oski's hematology of infancy and childhood. Elsevier Health Sciences. pp. 1386–. ISBN 978-1-4160-3430-8. Retrieved 2 November 2010.
  5. William B. Coleman; Gregory J. Tsongalis (2009). Molecular pathology: the molecular basis of human disease. Academic Press. pp. 258–. ISBN 978-0-12-374419-7. Retrieved 2 November 2010.