Effect of antiplatelet antibody on platelet shape change, volume, and morphology.

We extended our studies of the effect of antibody on human platelets. Monomeric immunoglobulin G (IgG) (rabbit) antiplatelet antibody was interacted with human platelets in the absence of complement and the early morphological changes monitored. Platelet shape change, assessed by a rheooptical approach, was noted within 20 s and was proportional to antibody concentration. Antiplatelet antibody-induced shape change was also accompanied by a change in apparent platelet volume, as measured in the resistive particle counter. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy confirmed a disk-to-sphere transformation associated with the formation of bulbous, short surface projections or pseudopodia. In contrast, ADP-induced disk-to-sphere transformation was associated with the development of long, thin filopodia emanating from the platelet. These specific effects of antiplatelet antibody may result in altered platelet function.