Reticulocytes and reticulated platelets: simultaneous measurement in whole blood by flow cytometry.

Reticulated platelets are a fraction of newly released circulating elements characterized by a residual amount of RNA. It has been suggested that the reticulated platelet count, providing an estimate of thrombopoiesis in the same way as erythrocyte reticulocyte count is a measure of erythropoiesis, may be useful in the study of thrombocytopenic disorders. Reticulated red cells and platelets can be analyzed by flow cytometry using specific stains for nucleic acids such as Thiazole Orange and Auramine-O.

Flow cytometric detection of circulating activated platelets in primary antiphospholipid syndrome. Correlation with thrombocytopenia and anticardiolipin antibodies.

Platelet activation has been suggested to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of haemostatic disorders in antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). In 16 patients with primary APS (PAPS) we investigated by flow cytometry the presence of circulating activated platelets as defined by the surface expression of activation-dependent glycoproteins CD62 and CD63. In addition, the relationships among activated platelets, thrombocytopenia, antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) and platelet associated IgG (PalgG) were evaluated.

Venous dural sinus thrombosis in a middle-aged woman with anticardiolipin antibodies.

Anticardiolipin antibodies are circulating autoantibodies directed against phospholipids. They have been previously associated with systemic venous and arterial but not with cerebral venous thrombosis. We describe the case of a middle aged woman with circulating anticardiolipin antibodies who suffered from dural sinus transversus and jugular venous thrombosis documented by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR).