Platelets (=thrombocytes) are cell fragments that are derived from what?
Megakaryocyte.
Describe the production of platelets
Production of platelets is determined by TPO (thrombopoeitin). The liver and kidney are always secreting TPO. Platelets will destroy TPO by binding to to mpl receptor when we do not need to form anymore, preventing platelet production.
However, if we have a low platelet count= less TPO being destroyed= more TPO in the body–> TPO makes platelets.
Amount of TPO in our body is controlled by what?
Platelets.
They have an inverse relationship in number.
High number of platelets=
Lots bound to the mpl receptor on TPO
–> TPO internalized
–> TPO destroyed
–> less TPO to act on megakaryocytes and create platelets
What cell lineages does TPO act on?
ALL
What do platelets contain?
What would happen if there is a mutation on the TPO receptor on platelets?
Platelet cannot internalize and destroy TPO–>
–> Make too many platelets from megakaryocytes–>
Too many blood cells in our body (polycythemia vera)
Describe the membranes of platelets?
The membranes have glycoproteins that, when activated, become sticky, phospholipids (factor 3, important to activate the clotting cascade) and collagen receptors.
Effects of thrombopiesis?
Increases dividision and maturation of all blood cell lineages.
What is hemostasis?
All of the steps taken to reduce blood loss.
What are the 4 steps of hemostasis?
What is vascular spasm?
Damaged vessel will loose blood. As a result, the smooth muscle in the vicinity will start to spasm to limit the blood flow loss.
What are the causes of vascular spasm? (3)
—-these mechanisms reduces blood loss by slowing or stopping blood flow out—-
Formation of platelet plug
What is the coagulation cascade?
[picture]
During blood coagulation, after we have the formation of our clot, what do we want to do?
We want to solidify the clot to get rid of excess fluid.
1. Fibrin polymers will bind to platelets
2. Ca2+ will cause the actin and myosin in the platelet to contract
How do we repair our blood vessel?
PDGF (platelet-derived growth factor)
How do we get rid of the clot?
Removal of the clot will, ultimately, rely on the activation of what?
Plasmin, which is found in the blood in an active form, plasminogen.
What is t-PA?
Plasminogen activator
What mechanisms prevent clotting? (5)
How does heparin prevent clotting?
Heparin is a anti-coagulant.
Heparin binds anti-thrombin 3.
When bound, this will block 10a and 2a.
How does Protein C prevent clots?
How does prostacucline and NO prevent clotting?
1. Vasodilation
2. Prevents the activation of platelets