Platelet Function and ABO Blood Group

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Abstract
An influence of the ABO blood group on von Willebrand and Factor VIII:C levels is known. Von Willebrand factor interacts with at least two platelet membrane receptors, but the effect of ABO group on platelet function is an unstudied area. The authors examined platelet function in 40 plateletpheresis donors using an impedance lumi-aggregometer. Aggregation responses to collagen, adenosine diphosphate (ADP), and ristocetin were measured and the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) release to thrombin. Twenty donors were Group O and 20 were Group A. Measurements of von Willebrand factor antigen (vWf:Ag), Factor VIII: C, and ristocetin co-factor (RiCoF) in the same group showed reduced levels of vWf:Ag and Factor VIII:C in Group O, as previously reported. The aggregation response to collagen and ADP and the release of ATP did not differ. The aggregation response to ristocetin, however, was better in Group O than in Group A despite the lower vWf:Ag levels. The explanation for this is unclear, but the data suggest an influence of blood group antigens on the interaction between von Willebrand’s factor and platelets.