Megakaryocyte and

the Platelet system

By: Tom Anthony A. Tonguia, RMT
 Objectives
• Recall the concepts of a megakaryopoiesis and its
different stages of maturation
• Exemplify how does a megakaryocyte matures
• Delineate the structure of a platelet
• Explicate the different structures and components of a
platelet
 Overview
• Megakaryopoiesis
proceeds initially
through a phase
characterized by
mitotic division of a
progenitor cell,
followed by a wave
of nuclear
endoreduplication.
 Megakaryoblast
• Earliest recognizable stage
• Contains mitochondria and a primitive endoplasmic
reticulum.
• This cell displays blunt protrusions from its cytoplasmic
membrane and contains a multitude of polyribosomes and
clear vacuoles with diameters as large as 0.2 um.
• Normally found only in the bone marrow (1 to 4 per 1000
nucleated cells).
• Single, centrally located nucleus or multiple round and
oval nuclei containing several nucleoli and distinct but
fine, delicate chromatin strands.
• The cytoplasm stains a diffuse blue, indicating absence of
specific granules.
• Has a diameter of 15 to 50 um.
 Promegakaryocyte
• Cell size ranges from 20 to 80 um.
• The cell membrane retains its characteristic
blunt protrusions, and the cytoplasm is rich in
polyribosomes.
• The number of nuclear lobes begins to
increase but there is only barely detectable
margination of the chromatin around the
nuclear membrane.
• Demarcating membrane system (DMS) forms
by invagination of the plasma membrane.
 Megakaryocyte
• Represents the maturation stage.
• This cell is round and is expanded in volume, with
multiple nuclei and even, peripheral margins.
• The abundant cytoplasm contains numerous small,
rather uniformly distributed granules with a reddish-
blue hue.
• Chromatin pattern is linear and coarse, with distinct
spaces between the strands.
• It begins to contain all of structural constituents of a
megakaryocyte.
• It is the known stage that does not ordinarily produce
platelets however megakaryocytes with at least four
nuclei can produce platelets.
 Metamegakaryocyte
• The fourth stage of maturation.
• Very large cell, many time the size of the mature
granulocyte, with a decreased nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio
compared with the immature stages of developments.
• Nucleus is multilobed and ploidy.
• There is aggregation of granular material in the cytoplasm.
• Platelets may be seen adhering to the cell memberane as
they begin to break away from the metamegakaryocyte.
• Contain predominantly polyribosomes with occasional
mitochondria.
 Platelets

• Have an average diameter of 2 to 4 um, with

younger platelets being larger than older ones.
• Has no nucleus
• Cytoplasm is light blue, with evenly dispersed,
fine red-purple granules.
 Platelet functions

• Adhesion- platelets roll and cling to

nonplatelet surfaces (reversible).
• Aggregation- Platelets adhere to each other
(irreversible)
• Secretion- platelets discharge the contents of
their granules
Platelet Structure
 Platelet structure
1. Peripheral zone
A. Glycocalyx- provides a distinct connection between
the inside of the platelet and its surroundings.
• provides surface to which some coagulation
factors may adhere, including factors I, V, VIII, X,
XI, XII, XIII.
• Thickness ranging from 10 to 50 nm
• Relatively smooth and contains porelike indentions
that open communication channels into the
platelet cytoplasm.
B. Plasma membrane- serves as the physical and
chemical barrier between the intracellular and
extracellular constituents of the platelet.
• Within this membrane is the sodium/potassium ATPase ionic
 Platelet structure
2. Submembrane area
A. Microfilaments- contribute to the regulation of the
normal platelet discoid shape.
• act as a base for pseudopod formation.
• Interact with other contractile proteins to modulate
platelet adhesion and clot retraction after activation.
B. Microtubule system
 Platelet structure
3. Sol-Gel zone- serves as a stable gel component
to regulate the arrangement of the internal
organelles and microtubular system within the
resting platelet body.
A. Microfilaments- provide the contractile force after
activation that directs the organelles toward the
center of the cell.
• Platelet filaments are approximately 50nm in diameter.
• contains two proteins ACTIN and MYOSIN.
B. Microtubules- contributes significantly to the
cytoskeletal support system.
• Plays an important in the contractile response of platelets to
stimulation.
• Not required for contraction.
 Platelet structure
4. Organelle zone- constitutes the major protein of
the platelet cytoplasm.
• Includes electron-dense granules, alpha granules,
peroxisomes, lysosomes, and mitochondria.
A. ELECTRON-DENSE GRANULES-
• 250 – 350nm in diameter and classified as such based on their
appearance in electron microscope.
• CONTAINS THE FOLLOWING:
• ADP – initiates platelet aggregation
• ATP
• GDP
• GTP
• Calcium
• Magnessium
• Serotonin
 Platelet structure
B. Alpha granules
• Larger than dense granules and appear spherical, about
300 – 500nm in diameter.
• Contains:
• Beta-thromboglobulin and PF4 – inhibits heparin.
• PDGF – increases smooth muscle cell proliferation
• Fibrinogen – increases / induces coagulation, adhesion, and
aggregation on platelets
• FVa – increases prothrombinase COMPLEX
C. Peroxisomes
D. Lysosomes – digest cell debris at injury site and
increases clot lysis.
E. Mitochondria
 References
• Steininger, Cheryl et al. CLINICAL HEMATOLOGY:
PRINCIPLES, PROCEDURES, CORRELATIONS J.B. Lippincott,
Philadelphia, USA
• Turgeon, Mary Louise. CLINICAL HEMATOLOGY” 5TH ED.
Little Brown & Co. Boston. 2013.