Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Real-time Imaging of Heterotypic Platelet-neutrophil Interactions on the Activated Endothelium During Vascular Inflammation and Thrombus Formation in Live Mice
11:18

Real-time Imaging of Heterotypic Platelet-neutrophil Interactions on the Activated Endothelium During Vascular Inflammation and Thrombus Formation in Live Mice

Published on: April 2, 2013

Platelet activation and interactions with the microvasculature

S C Body1

  • 1Department of Anesthesia, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology
|January 1, 1996
PubMed

Platelet adherence to structurally or functionally damaged endothelium and its subsequent activation are multifaceted events. Regulation of the rate and extent of platelet adhesion is under local control by the platelets and endothelium. Even in the absence of platelet adhesion to endothelium or subendothelium, there is a complex hemostatic balance of coagulation and anticoagulation. This is mediated by the manufacture, release, and inactivation of various procoagulant and anticoagulant compounds, predominantly by the platelets and endothelium. The relationship between the two in maintaining the homeostasis of coagulation and other processes is complex. This review focuses on the structure, function, and interaction of endothelium, subendothelium, and platelets and on their vasoactive and pro-/anticoagulant functions.

More Related Videos

Live-cell Imaging of Platelet Degranulation and Secretion Under Flow11:42

Live-cell Imaging of Platelet Degranulation and Secretion Under Flow

Published on: July 10, 2017

An In Vitro Assay to Study Platelet Migration Using RGD-Functionalized Avidin-Biotin Tethers05:43

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

Published on: November 8, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Structure and Function of Platelets01:18

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...
Introduction to Hemostasis01:05

Introduction to Hemostasis

Hemostasis is a complex physiological process that prevents excessive bleeding when a blood vessel is injured. It's crucial for maintaining the integrity of the circulatory system, as it ensures that our blood remains fluid while still within the vascular network and yet clots to prevent blood loss upon vessel injury.
The three phases of hemostasis involve many clotting factors present in plasma and several substances released by platelets and injured tissue cells. It is a fast, localized, and...
Formation of the Platelet Plug01:22

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...
Coagulation01:09

Coagulation

The coagulation phase is a critical part of the body's process to prevent blood loss following injury to blood vessels. It involves chemical reactions that form a clot to seal the injured area. The clotting process begins shortly after injury, within 15-20 seconds for severe damage and 1-2 minutes for minor injuries.
During the coagulation phase, clotting factors, or procoagulants, play a vital role in initiating and progressing the coagulation cascade. This cascade is a series of reactions...
Extrinsic and Intrinsic Pathways of Hemostasis01:20

Extrinsic and Intrinsic Pathways of Hemostasis

Blood clotting or coagulation involves extrinsic and intrinsic pathways, which ultimately merge into the common pathway, forming a fibrin clot.
The Extrinsic Pathway
The extrinsic pathway of coagulation is typically initiated by tissue damage that exposes blood to tissue factor (TF), a protein released by the damaged tissue cells outside the blood vessels—this interaction with TF triggers biochemical reactions involving specific clotting factors. The key player here is Factor VII, which forms a...
Clot Retraction and Fibrinolysis01:16

Clot Retraction and Fibrinolysis

After a fibrin clot is formed, the next step is clot retraction, a vital process facilitated by platelet contractile proteins, such as actin and myosin. These proteins pull the fibrin strands closer together and condense the clot. This action reduces the size of the clot, creating a smaller, denser structure that effectively seals off the damaged vessel. Clot retraction consolidates the clot and helps with wound healing by bringing the edges of the damaged blood vessel closer together.