PLATELET MEMBRANE GLYCOPROTEIN ABNORMALITIES IN UREMIA

Impaired platelet function plays a central role in the pathogenesis of uremic bleeding tendency. Platelet membrane glycoproteins are fundame ntal for normal platelet function. Their role for normal platelet phys iology and pathophysiology of uremic platelet dysfunction is discussed . Platelet from patients with end-stage renal failure have a defective receptor function of the glycoprotein IIb-IIIa complex. This results in defective fibrinogen binding to the platelet surface and consequent ly in impaired platelet aggregation. Moreover, the role of von Willebr and Factor-GPIb interaction in uremic bleeding tendency is discussed. Uremic platelets also show a quantitative and qualitative defect of th e alpha-granule glycoprotein thrombospondin which may impair consolida tion of the platelet plug at the site of vascular injury.