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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 6, 2026

Preparation of CD4+ T Cells for Analysis of GD3 and GD2 Ganglioside Membrane Expression by Microscopy

Preparation of CD4+ T Cells for Analysis of GD3 and GD2 Ganglioside Membrane Expression by Microscopy

Published on: November 8, 2016

Studies on human platelet gangliosides.

A J Marcus, H L Ullman, L B Safier

The Journal of Clinical Investigation

|October 1, 1972

Summary

Human platelets contain specific gangliosides, including hematoside, which interact with serotonin. These glycosphingolipids may influence platelet surface properties and serotonin binding.

Area of Science:

Biochemistry
Hematology
Cell Biology

Background:

Gangliosides are sialic acid-containing glycosphingolipids crucial for cell membrane functions.
Platelets play a vital role in hemostasis and thrombosis, with their surface properties influencing interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

To identify and characterize gangliosides in human platelets.
To investigate the interaction between platelet gangliosides and serotonin.

Main Methods:

Thin-layer chromatography was used to identify and characterize ganglioside fractions.
Equilibrium dialysis was employed to study the binding of serotonin to gangliosides.
Neuraminidase treatment was used to assess ganglioside susceptibility.

Main Results:

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Procoagulant Platelet Characterization by Measuring Phosphatidylserine Exposure and Microvesicle Release from Human Purified Platelets

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Last Updated: May 6, 2026

Preparation of CD4+ T Cells for Analysis of GD3 and GD2 Ganglioside Membrane Expression by Microscopy

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Ganglioside Extraction, Purification and Profiling

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Procoagulant Platelet Characterization by Measuring Phosphatidylserine Exposure and Microvesicle Release from Human Purified Platelets

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Published on: November 29, 2024

Three major ganglioside fractions were identified, with hematoside (Ganglioside I) comprising 92% of the total.
Gangliosides demonstrated a capacity to bind serotonin-(14)C in vitro.
Platelet gangliosides are susceptible to neuraminidase, releasing free sialic acid.

Conclusions:

Human platelets contain distinct gangliosides, notably hematoside, which can bind serotonin.
The specific distribution and orientation of platelet gangliosides may be critical for platelet surface characteristics and serotonin interactions.