Effects of physiologic agonists on canine whole blood flow cytometry assays of leukocyte-platelet aggregation and platelet activation.

Platelets play a role in both the innate and adaptive immune systems. Methods for detecting activated platelets and leukocyte-platelet aggregates (LPAs) are useful for basic and applied research concerning the role of platelets in inflammation and immune disorders. The aim of the study was to develop flow cytometric assays for detection of platelets binding to monocytes and neutrophils and for activated platelets in canine whole blood and to investigate the effect of physiologic agonists.