Phagocytosis of autologous platelets by human neutrophil granulocytes

Acta Morphol Hung. 1991;39(2):97-105.

Abstract

The phenomenon that the autologous human platelets can be phagocytosed in vitro by neutrophils and monocytes of healthy human donors (being free of antiplatelet autoantibodies) was demonstrated earlier. In this study we have confirmed electron microscopically the phenomenon of phagocytosis. Besides, using flow cytometric analysis, we have shown that a possible way for the bridge-formation between the washed platelets and neutrophils can be the linkage via IgG + C3b complexes bound to the Fc receptors of platelets. This mechanism supposedly may play a role also in the clearance of platelets by peripheral phagocytes in vivo.

MeSH terms

  • Blood Platelets / immunology*
  • Blood Platelets / ultrastructure
  • Complement C3b / analysis
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / analysis
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Neutrophils / immunology*
  • Neutrophils / ultrastructure
  • Phagocytosis*
  • Vacuoles / ultrastructure

Substances

  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Complement C3b