Platelet alpha-granule
Alpha granules are a cellular component of platelets. Platelets contain different types of granules that perform different functions, including alpha granules, dense granules, and lysosomes. Of these, alpha granules are the most common. The term "alpha granules'''" is used to describe granules containing several growth factors.Contents
Contents include insulin-like growth factor 1, platelet-derived growth factors, TGFβ, platelet factor 4 and other clotting proteins.
The alpha granules express the adhesion molecule P-selectin and CD63. These are transferred to the membrane after synthesis.
The other type of granules within platelets are called dense granules.A deficiency of alpha granules is known as gray platelet syndrome.
