Plateletsundergo

Plateletsundergo is a term used to describe the series of changes a circulating platelet experiences in response to vascular injury. It encompasses the processes of adhesion, activation, secretion, and aggregation that culminate in the formation of a hemostatic plug and contribute to wound healing. While the exact terminology "plateletsundergo" is not standard in hematology, it can be used to discuss the dynamic transformations platelets undergo during normal physiology and in disease.

Upon encountering exposed subendothelial matrix, aided by von Willebrand factor, platelets adhere and undergo rapid shape change from discoid to a spiky form. Activation triggers intracellular signaling that leads to granule release: alpha granules release proteins such as P-selectin, while dense granules release ADP and serotonin. Thromboxane A2 is produced as part of lipid signaling, amplifying recruitment and activation of additional platelets.

Activated platelets express higher-affinity receptors (notably GPIIb/IIIa) and bind fibrinogen, enabling platelets to aggregate and form a platelet plug. The coagulation cascade generates thrombin, which stabilizes the plug with a fibrin mesh. Platelet activation is tightly regulated by endothelial-derived prostacyclin and nitric oxide, which limit excessive aggregation.

Clinical relevance includes disorders of platelet function and number, antiplatelet therapies, and diagnostic assays such as platelet aggregometry. Understanding platelets' undergo processes is central to hemostasis, thrombosis, and related therapies.

See also Platelets, Hemostasis, Thrombosis, Platelet aggregation.