title: A new method to evaluate spontaneous platelet aggregation in type 2 diabetes by Cellfacts.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The alterations in the functional activities of platelets in diabetes produce an increase of spontaneous platelet aggregation (SPA) and release of platelet-derived microparticles. Platelet-derived microparticles are shed from platelets during activation by high shear stress, collagen and certain agonists. Although the physiologic role of microparticles has been difficult to assess, the characterization of their biological activity is of interest in view of a possible role in hemostasis and coagulation and their reported involvement in thrombotic disease.
  
  
  METHODS
  We propose a new, simple method to evaluate spontaneous platelet aggregation and release of platelet-derived microparticles by the Cellfacts analyser (Microbial System Limited (MSL), Coventry, England) that uses electrical sensing flow impedance determination to detect the size particles and the cells in a conductive fluid. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from type 2 diabetes was employed for this study. The importance of platelet-activating factor (PAF) on spontaneous platelet aggregation was evaluated and the effect of vitamin E and WEB 2086-BS, an antagonist of platelet-activating factor, was measured.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Data presented show that Cellfacts could be an easy and fast instrument to check the state of platelets in patients with alterations in the functionality of platelets, and to follow the effect of pharmacological therapy on spontaneous platelet aggregation and the release of platelet-derived microparticles.
authors.affiliation: Department of M.C.A. Biology, University of Camerino, Italy. rosita.gabbianelli@unicam.it
authors.forename: Rosita
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Gabbianelli
authors.forename: Giancarlo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Falcioni
authors.forename: Crawford S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Dow
authors.forename: Frank P
authors.initials: FP
authors.lastname: Vince
authors.forename: Ben
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Swoboda
mesh_terms: D000244:Adenosine Diphosphate / Q000494:pharmacology; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology; D001381:Azepines / Q000494:pharmacology; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010972:Platelet Activating Factor / Q000494:pharmacology; D010974:Platelet Aggregation / Q000502:physiology*; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D010979:Platelet Function Tests / Q000295:instrumentation*; D014230:Triazoles / Q000494:pharmacology; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D000244:Adenosine Diphosphate; D000975:Antioxidants; D001381:Azepines; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin; D010972:Platelet Activating Factor; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; D014230:Triazoles; D014810:Vitamin E; C052518:WEB 2086