Procoagulant Platelet Characterization by Measuring Phosphatidylserine Exposure and Microvesicle Release from Human Purified Platelets

Activated platelets promote coagulation primarily by exposing the procoagulant phospholipid phosphatidylserine (PS) on their outer membrane surfaces and releasing PS-expressing microvesicles that retain the original membrane architecture and cytoplasmic components of their originating cells. The accessibility of phosphatidylserine facilitates the binding of major coagulation factors, significantly amplifying the catalytic efficiency of coagulation enzymes, while microvesicle release acts as a pivotal mediator of intercellular signaling. Procoagulant platelets play a crucial role in clot stabilization during hemostasis, and their increased proportion in the bloodstream correlates with an increased risk of thrombosis. It has also been shown that platelet microvesicles are rich in growth factors that promote wound healing and inflammatory modulation. Analyzing phosphatidylserine exposure and microvesicle release using flow cytometry poses significant challenges due to their small size and the limited number of positive events for markers of interest. Despite considerable advances in the last decade, methods for assessing phosphatidylserine exposure and microvesicle release remain a work in progress. Unfortunately, no single universally applicable protocol exists, and several factors must be evaluated to determine the most appropriate methodology for each specific application. Here, we describe a detailed protocol for isolating washed platelets from human blood, followed by collagen and/or thrombin activation, to measure the exposure of phosphatidylserine and microvesicle release that characterize procoagulant platelets. This protocol is designed to facilitate the initial preparation of platelet-rich plasma and the isolation of washed platelets. Finally, phosphatidylserine exposure and microvesicle release are quantified by flow cytometry, enabling the identification of procoagulant platelets.