Thrombopoietin induces p-selectin expression on platelets and subsequent platelet/leukocyte interactions.

Ligation of thrombopoietin (TPO) to the platelet c-Mpl receptor induces numerous biochemical pathways in the absence of aggregation. Two forms of recombinant TPO are currently in clinical trials for the treatment of thrombocytopenia. This study focuses on the effects of the full-length recombinant human TPO (rhTPO) on platelets in a whole blood system.