Platelet Adhesion Assays Under Flow Using Matrix Protein-Coupled Adhesion Columns

The primary step in hemostasis after vascular injury is generally considered to be the adherence of circulating platelets to collagen exposed in the subendothelial connective tissues (1 ,2 ). Such platelet adhesion is essential to limit bleeding and maintain blood vessel integrity. This process must occur extremely rapidly and involves a cascade of events including the initial platelet adhesion to the collagen surface and stabilization of the platelet-collagen bond, followed by spreading, activation of the glycoprotein (GP) IIb-IIIa fibrinogen receptor, and release of platelet granule contents. Platelet-platelet interactions then occur by platelet recruitment from the plasma, leading to the buildup of thrombi on the initial monolayer of adherent platelets.