Cellular origin of platelet-derived microparticles in vivo
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Updated: Jun 10, 2026
Routine Screening Method for Microparticles in Platelet Transfusions
Published on: January 31, 2018
Andreas Rank1, Rienk Nieuwland, Ruth Delker
1Medizinische Klinik III-Großhadern, Klinikum der Ludwig Maximilians-Universität München, Marchioninistraße 15, 81377 München, Germany. andreas.rank@med.uni-muenchen.de
Introduction:
Microparticles (MP), presumably of platelet origin, are the most abundant microparticles in blood. To which extent such MP may also directly originate from megakaryocytes, however, is unknown. During hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, patients undergo total body irradiation which leads to an irreversible destruction of hematopoiesis.
Material And Methods:
We studied the levels of "platelet-derived" MP (PMP) in 13 patients before and after total body irradiation with 12 Gy (4 Gy for 3 days, dose rate 4.5 cGy/min). PMP were isolated and double-stained with annexin V and anti-CD61. In 6 patients, we additionally analyzed MP exposing P-selectin or CD63.
Results:
PMP rapidly declined upon total body irradiation, which was 2.4-fold faster than platelet disappearance. In contrast, the kinetics of MP exposing P-selectin or CD63 was comparable to platelets.
Conclusions:
Since CD61-positive MP disappear faster than platelets or MP exposing P-selectin or CD63, our data indicate that MP exposing P-selectin or CD63 are likely to originate from platelets, whereas at least a major fraction of CD61-exposing MP is likely to originate from megakaryocytes in vivo.
Insights
Platelet-derived microparticles (PMP) expressing CD61 decline faster than platelets after irradiation, suggesting megakaryocyte origin. Other PMP markers indicate platelet origin.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Cell Biology
- Biomedical Science
Background:
- Microparticles (MP) are abundant in blood, primarily assumed to be platelet-derived.
- The origin of MP from megakaryocytes remains unclear.
- Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation involves total body irradiation, causing hematopoiesis destruction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the origin of "platelet-derived" microparticles (PMP).
- To differentiate between platelet and megakaryocyte origins of PMP.
- To analyze PMP kinetics following total body irradiation.
Main Methods:
- Studied 13 patients undergoing total body irradiation (12 Gy).
- Isolated and double-stained PMP with annexin V and anti-CD61.
- Analyzed PMP expressing P-selectin or CD63 in 6 patients.
Main Results:
- PMP levels declined 2.4-fold faster than platelet disappearance post-irradiation.
- Kinetics of PMP exposing P-selectin or CD63 mirrored platelet disappearance.
- CD61-positive MP showed a distinct, faster decline compared to other PMP markers.
Conclusions:
- MP exposing P-selectin or CD63 likely originate from platelets.
- A significant fraction of CD61-exposing MP appears to originate from megakaryocytes in vivo.
- Irradiation provides a model to distinguish PMP origins based on marker expression.
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