Factor-VIII-related antigen in platelets

Abstract

Using quantitative immunoelectrophoresis against rabbit anti-human factor-VIII antibody, normal human platelets are shown to contain factor-VIII-related antigen (FVIII RAg) in amounts equivalent to 5–15% of that in whole platelet-rich-plasma. Platelet FVIII RAg is firmly bound to the membrane fraction and does not appear to exchange with plasma FVIII RAg. The platelets of von Willebrand's disease and thrombasthenia are deficient in FVIII RAg, but the giant platelets of the Bernard-Soulier syndrome contain greater than normal amounts.