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Platelet-associated factor XIII in platelet activation, adhesion, and clot stabilization
1Department of Pathology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
Seminars in Thrombosis and Hemostasis
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Platelet-associated factor XIII (FXIII) stabilizes blood clots and enhances platelet interactions. Its presence on activated platelets serves as a marker for in vivo platelet activation, crucial for hemostasis.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Platelet-associated factor XIII (FXIII) plays a key role in hemostasis.
- FXIII is found both intracellularly within platelets and on their surface after activation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the role of platelet-associated FXIII in clot stabilization and platelet interactions.
- To investigate FXIIIa as a potential marker for in vivo platelet activation.
Main Methods:
- The study focuses on the functional and binding characteristics of activated factor XIII on platelet surfaces.
- Investigated the interaction of platelet-associated FXIIIa with fibrin and alpha 2-antiplasmin.
Main Results:
- Activated FXIII binds to activated platelets, increasing local FXIIIa concentration.
- Platelet-associated FXIIIa enhances fibrin clot crosslinking, contributing to clot aging and resistance to fibrinolysis.
- FXIIIa binding to platelets requires the activation of the glycoprotein IIb-IIIa receptor.
Conclusions:
- Platelet-associated FXIIIa is critical for clot stabilization and resistance to fibrinolysis.
- The binding of FXIIIa to activated platelets, mediated by glycoprotein IIb-IIIa, suggests its utility as a marker of in vivo platelet activation.
- Platelets contribute significantly to the total FXIII in blood, highlighting its importance in hemostasis.