Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 23, 2026

Ferric Chloride-induced Murine Thrombosis Models
Published on: September 5, 2016
Mechanisms of poly-N-acetyl glucosamine polymer-mediated hemostasis: platelet interactions
Hemant S Thatte1, Sofija Zagarins, Shukri F Khuri
1Department Surgery, VA Boston Healthcare System, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical Schools, Boston, MA, USA.
Background:
Investigations were performed to determine whether poly-N-acetyl glucosamine (p-GlcNAc) induces hemostasis by the activation of platelets.
Methods:
Platelets were isolated from human blood, fixed in the presence poly-N-acetyl glucosamine fibers, and visualized with scanning electron microscopy. Platelet activation surface markers were measured by fluorescence multiphoton microscopy. Platelet aggregation in the presence of p-GlcNAc fibers and integrin receptor blockers was measured.
Results:
Scanning electron microscopy indicated that contact of platelets with poly-N-acetyl glucosamine fibers resulted in platelet activation. Fluorescent microscopy showed that contact of platelets with the marine polymer increased intracellular levels of free calcium and resulted in surface exposure of platelet phosphatidylserine, P selectin, and the alphaIIbbeta3 integrin. Antibody inhibitors of the platelet alphaIIbbeta3 integrin inhibited p-GlcNAc to stimulate fibrin polymerization.
Conclusion:
Poly-N-acetyl glucosamine fiber material promotes hemostasis by the activation of platelets.
More Related Videos
11:18Real-time Imaging of Heterotypic Platelet-neutrophil Interactions on the Activated Endothelium During Vascular Inflammation and Thrombus Formation in Live Mice
Published on: April 2, 2013
04:37Comprehensive Analysis of Procoagulant Platelets Exhibiting Features of Necrosis, Apoptosis and Platelet Activation
Published on: May 23, 2025
Related Concept Videos
Formation of the Platelet Plug
As the injured blood vessel contracts, endothelial cells undergo contraction, revealing collagen fibers in the basement membrane and underlying connective tissue. Furthermore, the plasma membrane of endothelial cells becomes adhesive, preparing the site for platelet adhesion. Platelets...
Introduction to Hemostasis
The three phases of hemostasis involve many clotting factors present in plasma and several substances released by platelets and injured tissue cells. It is a fast, localized, and...
Glycosaminoglycans
GAGS are found in the extracellular matrix of vertebrates, invertebrates, and bacteria. Due to their polar nature they attract water, and serve as excellent lubricants or shock absorbers in an animal body.
Hyaluronic...
Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions
Some...
Anticoagulant Drugs: Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins
Extrinsic and Intrinsic Pathways of Hemostasis
The Extrinsic Pathway
The extrinsic pathway of coagulation is typically initiated by tissue damage that exposes blood to tissue factor (TF), a protein released by the damaged tissue cells outside the blood vessels—this interaction with TF triggers biochemical reactions involving specific clotting factors. The key player here is Factor VII, which forms a...