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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Flow Cytometry Analysis of Tissue Factor Expression in Human Platelets

Flow Cytometry Analysis of Tissue Factor Expression in Human Platelets

Published on: November 22, 2024

Platelet density distribution in essential thrombocythemia.

Micha Milovanovic¹, Kourosh Lotfi, Tomas Lindahl

¹Department of Internal Medicine, Vrinnevi Hospital, Norrköping, Sweden. micmi @ isv.liu.se

Pathophysiology of Haemostasis and Thrombosis

|May 21, 2010

Summary

Essential thrombocythemia (ET) platelets show normal density distribution, explaining the low risk of severe bleeding despite high platelet counts. This suggests a mix of normal and abnormal platelet production in ET.

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Area of Science:

Hematology
Platelet Biology
Thrombocythemia Research

Background:

Essential thrombocythemia (ET) is marked by elevated platelet counts and a paradoxically low risk of severe hemorrhage.
Platelet density variations correlate with organelle content, influencing platelet function and granule release.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate platelet density subpopulations in ET patients compared to healthy controls.
To explore the relationship between platelet density, in vivo activity (platelet-bound fibrinogen), and activation markers (CD40L, P-selectin).

Main Methods:

Platelets from ET patients and healthy volunteers were separated into density subpopulations using a linear Percoll™ gradient.
Platelet-bound fibrinogen, CD40 ligand (CD40L), and P-selectin levels were quantified in each density fraction via flow cytometry.

Main Results:

Both ET patients and controls exhibited a similar single-peak platelet density distribution.
Higher density platelets showed increased surface-bound fibrinogen and signs of platelet release (lower CD40L/P-selectin).
Lower density (lighter) platelets had more surface-bound fibrinogen and elevated CD40L, suggesting distinct functional profiles.

Conclusions:

The normal density distribution of platelets in ET provides a potential explanation for the infrequent occurrence of severe bleeding.
ET may involve the co-production of platelets from both normal megakaryocytes and malignant clones, spanning a range of densities and functions.