Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 7, 2026
Flow Cytometry Analysis of Tissue Factor Expression in Human Platelets
Published on: November 22, 2024
Flow cytometric analysis of T-cell subsets and platelet surface markers in patients with immune thrombocytopenia: a
Merve Kara1, Pelin Aytan2, Cemil Gülüm3
1Faculty of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Mersin University, Mersin, Türkiye.
Abstract:
Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by increased platelet destruction and impaired platelet production. The role of T-cell subsets and platelet surface markers in ITP pathogenesis remains incompletely understood. To evaluate T-cell subpopulations and platelet surface marker expression in patients with chronic ITP compared with healthy controls using flow cytometry. This prospective case-control study included 26 chronic ITP patients and 25 healthy controls from the Hematology Department of Mersin University Hospital. Flow cytometric analysis was performed to assess CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD25+, CD45RA+, CD62L-, and platelet surface markers including CD41, CD42, and CD61. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 22. ITP patients demonstrated significantly lower platelet counts (97,038 ± 64,596 vs. 256,920 ± 48,873/µL, p < 0.001) and higher mean platelet volume values (11.67 ± 1.46 vs. 10.46 ± 0.77 fL, p = 0.001) compared with healthy controls. CD45RA+/CD4 + ratios were significantly lower in ITP patients (10.52 ± 5.88 vs. 14.45 ± 7.21%, p = 0.038). CD62L- expression was also decreased in the ITP group (51.50 ± 12.16 vs. 60.68 ± 8.40%, p = 0.003). Among platelet surface markers, CD41 and CD61 expressions were significantly reduced in ITP patients compared with controls (p < 0.001 for both). Although CD42 expression did not differ significantly between the overall groups, subgroup analysis demonstrated significantly lower CD42 expression in patients with platelet counts below 30,000/µL (p < 0.001). This study demonstrates alterations in T-cell differentiation markers and platelet surface glycoproteins in patients with chronic ITP. Reduced CD45RA+/CD4 + ratios, altered CD62L expression, and decreased CD41 and CD61 levels suggest ongoing immune dysregulation and abnormal platelet biology in these patients. Further longitudinal and functional studies are needed to clarify the mechanistic and clinical significance of these findings.
