Researchers from the University of Utah presented at the International Congress of the International Society of Blood Transfusion that platelet development and proliferation continues even after platelets are in the bloodstream, and may persist under steady-state culture conditions. These findings counter prior beliefs that platelet development is completed once megakaryocytes generate platelets through proplatelet formation. Platelet progeny formation may have substantial implications for platelet storage and increments during transfusion. Further research on the external signals that control progeny generation is needed.
The full abstracts from the International Congress of the International Society of Blood Transfusion are available as a supplement to Vox Sanguinis.
References
1. Schwertz H, Rowley JW, Tolley ND, Campbell RA, Weyrich AS. Assessing protein synthesis by platelets. Methods Mol Biol 2012;788: 141-53.
2. Schwertz H, Weyrich AS. Generation of platelet progeny. ISBT Science Series: International Congress of the International Society of Blood Transfusion, 2012:104-5.
Image source: Italiano et al, Mechanics of Platelet Elaboration, Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis, 2007: S1, 18-23, Wiley.
