Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 6, 2026

04:56
Determination of the Procoagulant Activity of Extracellular Vesicle (EV) Using EV-Activated Clotting Time (EV-ACT)
Published on: August 4, 2023
Increased procoagulant cell-derived microparticles (C-MP) in splenectomized patients with ITP.
1Wallace H Coulter Platelet Laboratory, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, 1600 NW 10th Ave, Room 7109A, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
Thrombosis Research
|March 13, 2008
Summary
Splenectomy increases cell-derived microparticles (C-MP), particularly red cell-derived (RMP) and leukocyte-derived (LMP), potentially raising thrombosis and cardiovascular disease risks. The spleen likely clears these procoagulant C-MP.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Immunology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Splenectomy is a common procedure with incompletely understood long-term safety.
- While infection risk is known, thrombosis and cardiovascular disease risks post-splenectomy require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate levels of cell-derived microparticles (C-MP) in splenectomized versus non-splenectomized patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP).
- To explore the association between C-MP levels, coagulation parameters, and potential long-term risks following splenectomy.
Main Methods:
- Assessed levels of platelet-derived (PMP), leukocyte-derived (LMP), red cell-derived (RMP), and endothelial cell-derived (EMP) microparticles via flow cytometry.
- Measured coagulation parameters including PT, aPTT, and FVIII, IX, XI activities.
- Compared these measures between 23 splenectomized ITP (ITP-S) and 53 non-splenectomized ITP (ITP-nS) patients.
Main Results:
- Significantly elevated RMP (p=0.0035) and LMP (p<0.0001) were observed in ITP-S patients compared to ITP-nS.
- ITP-S patients exhibited significantly shorter aPTT (p=0.029).
- RMP correlated with shorter aPTT and increased activities of factors VIII, IX, and XI.
Conclusions:
- Splenectomy is associated with elevated RMP and LMP, suggesting the spleen's role in clearing procoagulant C-MP.
- Increased C-MP levels post-splenectomy may contribute to heightened risks of thrombosis, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular disease.
Related Concept Videos
Structure and Function of Platelets
The cell fragments known as platelets are disc-shaped, with an average diameter of about 3 μm and a thickness of roughly 1 μm. They play a crucial role in the body's vascular clotting system, which also involves plasma proteins, blood cells, and blood vessel tissues.
Platelets are continually replenished, circulating in the bloodstream for 9-12 days before being removed by phagocytes, primarily in the spleen. A microliter of circulating blood contains between 150,000 and 450,000 platelets, with...
Platelets are continually replenished, circulating in the bloodstream for 9-12 days before being removed by phagocytes, primarily in the spleen. A microliter of circulating blood contains between 150,000 and 450,000 platelets, with...
Formation of the Platelet Plug
The platelet phase, the second stage of hemostasis, commences around 15-20 seconds after an injury. It follows and overlaps with the vascular phase, during which blood vessels constrict to minimize blood loss.
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...
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...

