Ultrastructural Observations on Platelet Adhesion Reactions

Abstract

The morphology of platelet-fibrin interaction in retracting clots and following exposure of platelets to preformed fibrin particles has been studied with the electron microscope. The interaction involved close conformity of the structures at a finite distance, usually 100 to 200 angstroms, and platelet engulfment of fibrin. The morphology closely resembles other platelet adhesion reactions, and it is suggested that the interaction described here is the ultrastructural representation of platelet-fibrin adhesion.