Platelet membrane components and receptors.

Receptor-ligand interactions on the platelet membrane control a number of phenomena unique to platelets such as shape change, aggregation, release reaction of secretion, clot retraction and activation of clotting factors. Localization of receptor on the well-defined platelet membrane glycoproteins appears to be a major target of numerous studies in the field of platelet research. The author is reviewing methodological development in this field including surface labeling of the platelets, one and two dimensional electrophoresis, development of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies to platelet membrane glycoproteins and receptors, immunoblotting, radiolabeled ligand studies and preparative techniques. Classification of membrane glycoproteins is briefly discussed. The current knowledge of the receptors for fibrinogen and other adhesive proteins, clotting factors, ADP and prostanoids is reviewed.