Thrombopoese

Thrombopoese is a term occasionally used to describe the biological process of producing platelets, a process more commonly referred to as thrombopoiesis or megakaryopoiesis. The word is not widely adopted in current hematology literature, and when encountered it is typically used as a synonym or in discussions around the study of platelet production rather than as a distinct, formal pathway.

Thrombopoesis involves the differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells into the megakaryocyte lineage within the bone marrow, followed by megakaryocyte maturation, including polyploidization. Mature megakaryocytes extend long cytoplasmic processes called proplatelets, which fragment and release platelets into the sinusoidal bloodstream. Platelets circulate for about 7 to 10 days before clearance, and their production is scaled to maintain stable platelet numbers in circulation.

Regulation of thrombopoese is centered on thrombopoietin (TPO), the master cytokine driving megakaryopoiesis. TPO signals through the MPL receptor on progenitor cells, promoting proliferation and maturation. Platelet mass helps regulate circulating TPO levels via clearance, providing a feedback mechanism. Additional cytokines and bone marrow niche signals modulate the process, adapting platelet production to physiologic demands such as injury or inflammation.

Clinical relevance arises when thrombopoiesis is disrupted. Impaired thrombopoiesis can cause thrombocytopenia, while excessive platelet production may contribute to thrombocytosis. Therapeutic approaches include thrombopoietin receptor agonists to boost platelet production in certain disorders and to support recovery after myelosuppressive therapies. The term thrombopoese remains less common than thrombopoiesis but is used in some discussions of platelet production mechanisms.