Platelets in myeloproliferative disorders. III: Glycoprotein profile in relation to platelet function and platelet density.

Membrane glycoproteins (GP) are implicated in platelet functions. In myeloproliferative diseases (MD), some of these functions are known to be perturbed. 16 patients with various MD were investigated for platelet functions (retention to glass beads, epinephrine- and ristocetin-induced aggregation), platelet density distribution and PAS-staining glycoprotein profile on SDS-polyacrylamide-gel-electrophoresis. An abnormal GP pattern (moderate reduction of GP (Ib + Is) and GP IIb with corresponding increase in GP IIIb) was demonstrated but no relation to platelet dysfunction or density distribution was observed. No differences between the various types of MD were noticed although the group of polycythaemia vera was the less perturbed for platelet function, platelet density and also GP profile.