Detection of circulating human platelet fragments by using monoclonal antibodies against platelet glycoprotein IIb-IIIa complex

• Published in: British journal of haematology Vol. 65; no. 4; p. 447
• Main Authors: Vos, J J, Huisman, J G, Modderman, P W, von dem Borne, A E
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 01-04-1987
• Subjects: Antibodies, Monoclonal; Blood Platelets - analysis; Centrifugation, Density Gradient; Humans; Platelet Membrane Glycoproteins - analysis; Platelet Membrane Glycoproteins - immunology; Radioimmunoassay - methods; Subcellular Fractions - analysis; Thrombocytopenia - blood
• ISSN: 0007-1048
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2141.1987.tb04148.x

A radioimmunoassay (RIA) for the detection of platelets and platelet fragments was developed. A sandwich of two monoclonal antibodies directed against the platelet-specific glycoprotein complex IIb-IIIa (GP IIb-IIIa) was used in this assay. A discontinuous 7.5-20% (v/v) albumin gradient was applied to separate platelets and their fragments of various sizes. In platelet suspensions fractionated in this way, we observed that particles smaller than normal platelets still carried the GP IIb-IIIa antigens. This procedure enabled us to detect platelet-derived particles in platelet-rich plasma from thrombocytopenic patients.