Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2026

Analyzing Platelet Subpopulations by Multi-color Flow Cytometry
Published on: June 10, 2025
Distinct platelet packaging, release, and surface expression of proangiogenic and antiangiogenic factors on different
Madhumita Chatterjee1, Zhangsen Huang, Wei Zhang
1Department of Medicine, Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Karolinska Institutet at Karolinska University Hospital (Solna), Stockholm, Sweden.
The present study characterized platelet secretion and surface expression of proangiogenic stromal cell-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and antiangiogenic PF4 and endostatin on activation. The angiogenic factors presented in randomly distributed granules in resting platelets, which were peripherized on activation. Confocal and immunogold electron microscopy demonstrated that SDF-1α/CXCL12 and PF4/CXCL4 mostly present in different granules. Platelet activation induced marked SDF-1α and endostatin but mild PF4 or no VEGF surface expression. PAR1-activating peptide (PAR1-AP), adenosine diphosphate (via P2Y1/P2Y12), and glycoprotein VI-targeting collagen-related peptide induced massive SDF-1α and VEGF but modest PF4 or no endostatin release. In contrast, PAR4-AP triggered marked PF4 and sole endostatin release but limited SDF-1α or VEGF secretion. Distinct platelet release of SDF-1α and endostatin involved different engagements of intracellular signaling pathways. In conclusion, different platelet stimuli evoke distinct secretion and surface expression of proangiogenic and antiangiogenic factors. PAR1, adenosine diphosphate, and glycoprotein VI stimulation favors proangiogenic, whereas PAR4 promotes antiangiogenic, factor release.
The present study characterized platelet secretion and surface expression of proangiogenic stromal cell-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and antiangiogenic PF4 and endostatin on activation. The angiogenic factors presented in randomly distributed granules in resting platelets, which were peripherized on activation. Confocal and immunogold electron microscopy demonstrated that SDF-1α/CXCL12 and PF4/CXCL4 mostly present in different granules. Platelet activation induced marked SDF-1α and endostatin but mild PF4 or no VEGF surface expression. PAR1-activating peptide (PAR1-AP), adenosine diphosphate (via P2Y1/P2Y12), and glycoprotein VI-targeting collagen-related peptide induced massive SDF-1α and VEGF but modest PF4 or no endostatin release. In contrast, PAR4-AP triggered marked PF4 and sole endostatin release but limited SDF-1α or VEGF secretion. Distinct platelet release of SDF-1α and endostatin involved different engagements of intracellular signaling pathways. In conclusion, different platelet stimuli evoke distinct secretion and surface expression of proangiogenic and antiangiogenic factors. PAR1, adenosine diphosphate, and glycoprotein VI stimulation favors proangiogenic, whereas PAR4 promotes antiangiogenic, factor release.
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...
Structure and Function of Platelets
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...
Antiplatelet Drugs: Prostaglandin Synthesis, P2Y12 and Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitors
Prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors, exemplified by the widely known aspirin, wield their power by irreversibly acetylating...
Regulation of Angiogenesis and Blood Supply
Clot Retraction and Fibrinolysis
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...

