Platelets process adsorbed protein: a morphological study

The nature of the adsorbed protein on a non-biological biomaterial surface is known to influence cell adhesion. This work deals with the contribution of adherent platelets towards the redistribution of preadsorbed proteins. A redistribution was only observed with spread platelets on adsorbed fibrinogen and fibronectin, but not with adsorbed beta-lactoglobulin. The labelled protein images showed a dark outer ring with an inner region having fluorescent areas, with greater intensity than regions not covered by platelets. The fluorescent patterns observed may be a result of the binding of adsorbed fluorescent protein to the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptors of platelets, followed by their redistribution within the plasma membrane.