PLATELETS AND THE STRUCTURE AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF BLOOD CLOTS

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Abstract
Platelet-free clots show less firmness, rigidity and contractility than platelet-rich clots. Platelets modify the fibrin structure of clots and thereby influence their physical properties. Venous blood and plasma from normal and thrombopenic men and dogs and individuals with hemophilia were allowed to coagulate in a closed chamber; the various stages were observed and recorded with a microscope equipped with a photographic eyepiece. A comparison of serial photographs and direct observation of the process led to the following conclusions: In the coagulation of blood from man and dog, soon after fibrin is laid down, intact platelets in the interior of the mass converge towards the fibrin needles, adhere to them and form large knots at their intersections. It appears that it is by thus strengthening the fibrin framework that platelets help to render the clot more rigid, firm and elastic. As the knots are being formed the fibrin becomes bent, twisted and shortened. It is perhaps while this is going on and partly as a result of it, that the clot undergoes the visible reduction in volume (syneresis).

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