Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 2, 2026

Platelet Adhesion and Aggregation Under Flow using Microfluidic Flow Cells
Published on: October 26, 2009
Platelet adhesion receptors
M J Williams1, X Du, J C Loftus
1Department of Vascular Biology, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
The response to vascular injury involves attachment and aggregation of platelets, coupled with initiation of the coagulation cascade. These inter-related processes ensure that the vessel injury is rapidly blocked with an aggregated clump of platelets that is then stabilized by a crosslinked fibrin matrix. Initial adherence relies on the ability of the platelet adhesion receptors to bind subendothelial matrix molecules. Platelet activation then results in the expression of high affinity integrin receptors on the cell surface that bind soluble ligands, allowing platelets to aggregate and form a haemostatic plug.
The response to vascular injury involves attachment and aggregation of platelets, coupled with initiation of the coagulation cascade. These inter-related processes ensure that the vessel injury is rapidly blocked with an aggregated clump of platelets that is then stabilized by a crosslinked fibrin matrix. Initial adherence relies on the ability of the platelet adhesion receptors to bind subendothelial matrix molecules. Platelet activation then results in the expression of high affinity integrin receptors on the cell surface that bind soluble ligands, allowing platelets to aggregate and form a haemostatic plug.
Related Concept Videos
Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions
Some...
Anchoring Junctions
Adherens Junctions
Adherens Junctions are Dynamic
The endothelial cells...
Selectins
Immunoglobulin-like Cell Adhesion Molecules
Ig-CAMs exhibit either homophilic binding (to other Ig-CAMs) or heterophilic binding (to other ligands such as integrins). While most Ig-CAMs...
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...

