Hierarchical organization in the hemostatic response and its relationship to the platelet-signaling network.

ABSTRACT: Achieving hemostasis following vascular injury requires the rapid accumulation of platelets and fibrin. Here we used a combination of confocal intravital imaging, genetically engineered mice, and antiplatelet agents to determine how variations in the extent of platelet activation following vascular injury arise from the integration of different elements of the platelet-signaling network. Two forms of penetrating injury were used to evoke the hemostatic response. Both produced a hierarchically organized structure in which a core of fully activated platelets was overlaid with an unstable shell of less-activated platelets. This structure emerged as hemostasis was achieved and persisted for at least 60 minutes following injury, its organization at least partly reflecting agonist concentration

SUBMITTER: Stalker TJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3591806 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature