Platelets and coagulation proteins
Walsh, P.N.
Federation Proceedings 40(7): 2086-2091
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0014-9446 PMID: 6785110 Document Number: 182572
Platelets participate in hemostasis in part by their complex interrelationships with coagulation proteins. Several intrinsic platelet proteins are present in alpha-granules (fibrinogen, factor V, factor VIII antigen, platelet factor 4), in the cytosol (factor XIII), or in the membrane fraction (factor XI). Platelets also contribute to surface-mediated zymogen activations of plasma factors XII, XI, X, and prothrombin and bind several coagulation proteins including factor Xa, thrombin, and fibrinogen. Finally, platelets can protect coagulation enzymes (factors XIa and Xa) from inactivation by plasma proteinase inhibitors. Thereby intrinsic coagulation reactions occur preferentially on the platelet surface leading to fibrin formation within and around platelet plugs.