| Abstract: | Total platelet-associated immunoglobulin G (PA-IgG) and platelet volume and protein content in normal individuals and in patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and other thrombocytopenias of presumed nonimmune origin have been measured on platelets separated into subpopulations on the basis of density on continuous polyvinylpyrrolidone (Percoll) gradients. In all subjects PA-IgG per platelet was primarily found in the lightest platelets at levels up to sevenfold greater than in the heavier platelets. PA-IgG level per platelet was raised in light platelets in 29% of patients with thrombocytopenia and in heavy platelets in 60%. In almost half of these instances the PA-IgG level fell to within the normal range when considered in relation to either platelet volume or protein content. PA-IgG levels of patients with untreated ITP did not differ significantly from those with treated ITP or thrombocytopenia of other causes. Mean platelet volume and protein content of the total platelet population of all subjects showed significant linear correlation (P less than 0.01). Thus PA-IgG of both controls and patients with thrombocytopenia of all causes is preferentially located in the lightest platelets, but increases in PA-IgG in immune thrombocytopenias occur more frequently in the heavier platelets. These findings suggest that part of the process of IgG accumulation by platelets is the same in normal individuals as in patients with thrombocytopenia. |
