Basic Concepts of Coagulation

Integrins themselves are found on nearly all cells and mediate several physiological responses, such as cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. Three families of integrins, each family with a common beta subunit in combination with distinct alpha subunits, have been recognized. The beta 1 family, also called very late lymphocyte-activation antigen or VLA, has receptors mediating extracellular matrix interactions with molecules such as collagen, laminin, and fibronectin. Naturally, platelets contain many of the receptors of the beta 1 family. 

while glycoprotein Ia/IIa (a2Pj) binds to collagen, glycoprotein Ic/IIa (a ) binds to fibronectin (5). The other integrin belonging to the beta 1 family that is involved in platelet adhesion is ct6P, which binds laminin. 

The beta 2 family has receptors on leukocytes (also called LeuCAM) and mediates inflammatory and immune recognition functions. 

In the intact blood vessel, ligands involved in adhesion to platelets, such as collagen, fibronectin, and von Willebrand factor, are sequestered in the subendothelium, thus preventing access to platelet adhesive receptors. Table 1 summarizes the functions of platelet membrane integrin receptors. 

Adhesion of platelets to ligands such as collagen on the subendothelial matrix 

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