EDTA induced changes in platelet structure and function: influence on particle uptake

Ethylenediaminetetracetic acid (EDTA) causes structural, biochemical and fu nctional damage to blood platelets. The alterations induced are considered irreversible. However, the degree of irreversibility, and whether all funct ions are similarly compromised by EDTA have not been fully evaluated. The p resent study has examined platelets treated with EDTA to produce the struct ural changes in channels of the open canalicular system (OCS) associated wi th irreversible dissociation of the fibrinogen receptor, GPIIb-IIIa (alpha( IIb)beta(3)), for their ability to interact with particulates in suspension . Despite severe narrowing and near occlusion of peripherally oriented OCS channels by EDTA, treated cells were able to bind, translocate and take up fibrinogen-coated gold particles (Fgn/Au), colloidal gold and latex spheres . Thus exposure to EDTA may compromise some aspects of platelet function, b ut not others which may be important for participation in hemostatic events .