Abstract
The characteristics of platelet organelles in various diseases were morphometrically studied with a manual optical picture analyzing system (MOP/AM 03 from Kontron). We have measured the platelet profile area and the number and area of each platelet organelle [α-granule (α-G), dense granule (DG), morphologically atypical α-G and DG (α′-G, D′G), mitochondria, unidentified granule, open canalicular system (OCS), membrane complex, myelin figure]. Parameters of each organelles were expressed as “F” (total number/platelet area 100cm2), “A” (total area/total number) and “O” (total area/platelet area 100cm2).
“F”, “A” and “O” of mitochondria in almost all patients with hematopoietic disorders (7 cases) and with congenital qualitative platelet diseases (4 cases) were within normal range. “A” and “O” of OCS increased in many patients and myelin figures were often observed in OCS of platelet from 2 patients of them, with thrombasthenic syndrome. “A” of membrane complex increased in hematopoietic disorders, especially increased in an AMMoL patient. The platelet from an AMMoL showed low “F” and “O” of α-G. The sum total “F” of DG and D′G was reduced in 2 patients with storage pool deficiency, while increased in the others except for an AMMoL.
