Glycoprotein Ib polymorphisms influence platelet plug formation under high shear rates

Abstract

Platelet polymorphisms (Kozak, VNTR and HPA-2) within glycoprotein (GP)Ibα may be associated with an increased risk of arterial thrombosis. However, the functional role of these polymorphisms has not been clarified. Their influence on platelet plug formation under high shear rates was, therefore, examined in 233 healthy individuals. Collagen-adrenaline-induced closure time was shorter in carriers of the C/D versus C/C VNTR allele and in homozygotes with the (-5)T/T versus (-5)C/T Kozak genotype as determined by novel polymerase chain reaction methods. The HPA-2 genotype had no effects, and the density of GPIbα molecules was not influenced by GPIbα genotypes.