Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Studying the Cytoskeleton

Studying the Cytoskeleton

The cytoskeletal architecture can be studied using different microscopic and biochemical techniques. Electron microscopy was instrumental in discovering the cytoskeletal architecture around the 1960s, which allowed obtaining structural information at a high-resolution level. However, the sample preparation procedure often limits this ability in biological samples. Several protocols have been developed over the years to optimize sample preparation. In one of the protocols known as rotary...

Structure and Function of Platelets

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...

Formation of the Platelet Plug

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...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

An open and closed case: timing of closure following laparostomy.

Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England·2020

Same author

Extended interval dosing of natalizumab in multiple sclerosis.

Journal of neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry·2016

Same author

The preparation of exhibits.

Bulletin. International Association of Medical Museums·2014

Same author

Endometriosis in youth.

Journal of the American Medical Association·2010

Same author

Endometriosis; two hundred cases considered from the viewpoint of the practitioner.

The New England journal of medicine·2010

Same author

Plasma fractions in general surgery.

El Dia medico·2010

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 21, 2026

Megakaryocyte Differentiation and Platelet Formation from Human Cord Blood-derived CD34+ Cells

Megakaryocyte Differentiation and Platelet Formation from Human Cord Blood-derived CD34⁺ Cells

Published on: December 27, 2017

Observations on the "Cytoskeleton" of Human Platelets.

V T Nachmias¹, J Sullender¹, J Fallon¹

¹The Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, U.S.A.

Thrombosis and Haemostasis

|February 21, 2019

Summary

Platelet shape change involves microfilament state changes. Local anesthetics disrupt filopodia formation by affecting a high molecular weight protein in platelets.

More Related Videos

A Uniform Shear Assay for Human Platelet and Cell Surface Receptors via Cone-plate Viscometry

A Uniform Shear Assay for Human Platelet and Cell Surface Receptors via Cone-plate Viscometry

Published on: June 5, 2019

An In Vitro Assay to Study Platelet Migration Using RGD-Functionalized Avidin-Biotin Tethers

An In Vitro Assay to Study Platelet Migration Using RGD-Functionalized Avidin-Biotin Tethers

Published on: November 8, 2024

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 21, 2026

Megakaryocyte Differentiation and Platelet Formation from Human Cord Blood-derived CD34+ Cells

Megakaryocyte Differentiation and Platelet Formation from Human Cord Blood-derived CD34⁺ Cells

Published on: December 27, 2017

A Uniform Shear Assay for Human Platelet and Cell Surface Receptors via Cone-plate Viscometry

A Uniform Shear Assay for Human Platelet and Cell Surface Receptors via Cone-plate Viscometry

Published on: June 5, 2019

An In Vitro Assay to Study Platelet Migration Using RGD-Functionalized Avidin-Biotin Tethers

An In Vitro Assay to Study Platelet Migration Using RGD-Functionalized Avidin-Biotin Tethers

Published on: November 8, 2024

Area of Science:

Cell Biology
Biochemistry
Hematology

Background:

Platelets are crucial for hemostasis and thrombosis.
Understanding platelet shape change is key to platelet function.
Microfilaments and microtubules are important cytoskeletal components in platelets.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the structural basis of platelet shape change.
To explore the role of microfilaments and microtubules in platelet morphology.
To identify molecular changes associated with the loss of filopodia formation.

Main Methods:

Structural analysis of rapidly lysed platelets.
Observation of microtubule organization.
Proteolysis assays to identify protein changes.

Main Results:

Platelet shape change correlates with alterations in actin-containing microfilaments.
Platelet microtubules form a continuous coil structure.
Suppression of filopodia by local anesthetics is linked to proteolysis of a high molecular weight protein.

Conclusions:

Platelet shape change is mediated by microfilament rearrangements.
Microtubules form a stable coiled structure within platelets.
A specific high molecular weight protein is implicated in filopodia formation and is targeted by local anesthetics.