Physiology of megakaryopoiesis and thrombocytes [Physiologie der megakaryopoiese und des thrombozyten]

Platelets are generated from the cytoplasm of megakaryocytes. They play a fundamental role in blood coagulation and are also involved in inflammatory and wound healing processes. Proliferation and differentiation of megakaryocytes is stimulated and regulated by binding of the lineage-specific growth factor thrombopoietin (TPO) to its receptor c-MPL. In case of vascular damage; glycoproteins of the platelet membrane are responsible for binding the platelets to subendothelial structures and their aggregation to haemostatic blood clots. Malfunction of megakaryopoiesis, thrombopoiesis, and thrombocytes will cause bleeding symptoms with or without thrombocytopenia. Molecular biological research activities during recent years have contributed much to increased understanding of the regulatory processes for platelet function, thrombopoiesis, and megakaryopoiesis and in relation to corresponding disease. This is linked to hope for targeted therapy approaches. © Springer Medizin Verlag 2006.