Course includes study material and exam. 

Description: Learn about platelet production, kinetics and regulation, aggregation and understand the effect of drugs on platelets. Platelet factors and the arachidonic acid-prostacyclin pathways are also discussed.

Learning Outcomes:

• Describe the production of platelets in the body including platelet regulation, kinetics, and lifespan.
• Describe in detail the ultrastructure of a typical platelet.
• Draw a platelet showing its ultrastructure.
• Outline the relationships between the different structural zones of the platelet.
• Describe the current understanding of the regulatory protein thrombopoietin.
• Briefly describe the formation of a platelet hemostatic plug.
• Give a detailed review of the platelet interaction with the vessel wall.
• Describe the process of aggregation and list the agents that initiate it in vitro.
• List many of the substances available over the counter that contains aspirin.
• Outline the logic for daily aspirin therapy.
• Outline some of the agents that inhibit platelet aggregation.
• Prepare a list of drugs that have an effect on platelet function
• Outline the specific features of PF3 and PF4.
• Describe schematically the arachidonic acid - prostacyclin pathways.
• List the important compounds released from platelets upon activation.
• Describe the effect of ethanol consumption on platelets.

Author: John Chapman, FCSMLS, FIMLS, CLSp(H)

Version Date: March 2018

PEP hours: 13.2

CPS credits: 0.8

*Note: PEP hours and/or CPS credits will only be awarded upon successful completion of Final Exam.