Surface morphology of human platelets during in vitro aggregation

The alterations of surface morphology of human platelets during the course of the aggregometer tracing were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Prior to activation the platelet rich plasma was pre-incubated at 37 degrees C for at least 30 min in order to obtain a sufficient number of discoid platelets. Immediately following the addition of collagen or ADP platelets showed slender pseudopods which thereafter were replaced by bulbous protrusions. The decrease in percent light transmission (%T) in the aggregometer tracing was characterized in SEM by a significant enlargement of bulbous protrusions and by the transformation of platelet shape from disc to sphere. During the increase in %T platelets forming primary aggregates displayed spiny pseudopods at their surface indicating that, during in vitro aggregation induced by collagen or ADP, two generations of pseudopods are formed. Using a low dose of ADP, the return of aggregometer tracing to the base line was regularly accompanied by dissociation of primary aggregates, but platelets remained spheroid and displayed pseudopods for a long time. Our study indicates that the course of aggregometer tracing is closely associated to the surface morphology of platelets. Single morphological changes, however, are not reflected by the aggregometer method.