concanavalin-a and Bernard-Soulier-Syndrome

The authors report here the results of fracture-labeling of wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) and concanavalin A (Con A) receptors on the plasma membranes of normal, Bernard-Soulier, and thrombasthenic platelets. In all cases, virtually all of the label was confined to the exoplasmic half of the membrane. Despite the absence of GP Ib in Bernard-Soulier platelets and the absence or strong reduction of Gp IIb and GP IIIa in thrombasthenic platelets, their plasma membranes were strongly labeled by both Con A and WGA. These results are best accounted for by the presence of other glycoproteins and/or glycolipids at the platelet surface.

Topics: Adult; Bernard-Soulier Syndrome; Blood Platelet Disorders; Blood Platelets; Cell Membrane; Concanavalin A; Freeze Fracturing; Glycoproteins; Histocytochemistry; Humans; Lectins; Microscopy, Electron; Receptors, Concanavalin A; Receptors, Mitogen; Thrombasthenia; Wheat Germ Agglutinins