Platelets + Disorders Flashcards
How are platelets formed
Formed by fragmentation of megakaryocytic cytoplasm in bone marrow
Advantage of platelets having a disc shape
Allows them to flow close to the endothelium
Lifespan of platelets
7-10 days
How are platelets broken down
Phagocytksed by splenic macrophages in red pulp
Where is thrombopoietin produced
Liver
How does liver damage effect platelets
Reduced thrombopoietin = decreased platelets
Compensatory mechanism for decreased TPO
More TPO able to bind to MK = increased platelet production
What precursor molecule is Thromboxane A2 made from
Arachidonic acid via COX-1
Role of Thromboxane A2
Induces platelet aggregation + vasoconstriction
What molecule activates P2Y12
ADP
Role of P2Y12
Amplifies activation of platelets + helps activate glycoprotein IIb/IIIa
Role of IIb/IIIa
Receptor for fibrinogen and vWF
What is vWF
clotting factor needed for platelets to adhere to damaged blood vessels
Role of IIb/IIIa
Aids platelet adherence and aggregation
What is vWF disease
reduced vWF activity = platelets are unable to bind to damaged blood vessels resulting in platelet dysfunction + muco-cutaneous bleeding
What is thrombocytopenia
Deficiency of platelets in th blood
What is congenital thrombocytopenia
- Malfunctioning megakaryocytes in bone marrow
What causes thrombocytopenia
- Infiltration of bone marrow (leukaemia, metastatic malignancy, lymphoma, myeloma, myelofibrosis)
- Reduced platelet production by bone marrow
What can result in reduced platelet production by bone marrow = thrombcytopenia
- Low B12/folate
- Reduced TPO
- Medication
- Toxins
- Infections
- Aplastic anaemia
What medication causes thrombocytopenia
- Methotrexate
2. Chemotherapy
4 ways increased DESTRUCTION of platelets = thrombocytopenia
- Autoimmune (ITP)
- Hypersplenism (portal hypertension + splenomegaly)
Drug-related immune destruction (heparin induced thrombocytopenia)
What disorders cause consumption of platelets
- DIC
2. TTP