Autologous platelets as a source of proteins for healing and tissue regeneration

Platelets are known for their role in haemostasis where they help prevent blood loss at sites of vascular injury. To do this, they adhere, aggregate and form a procoagulant surface leading to thrombin generation and fibrin formation. Platelets also release substances that promote tissue repair and influence the reactivity of vascular and other blood cells in angiogenesis and inflammation. They contain storage pools of growth factors including PDGF, TGF-beta?and VEGF as well as cytokines including proteins such as PF4 and CD40L. Chemokines and newly synthesised active metabolites are also released. The fact that platelets secrete growth factors and active metabolites means that their applied use can have a…