Imaging platelet biogenesis in vivo

Abstract

In this review paper, we give a historical perspective of the development of imaging modalities to visualize platelet biogenesis and how this contributed to our current understanding of megakaryopoiesis and thrombopoiesis. We provide some insight how distinct in vivo and in situ imaging methods, including ultramicrographs, have contributed to the current concepts of platelet formation. The onset of intravital microscopy into the mouse bone marrow has markedly modified and challenged our thinking of platelet biogenesis during the last decade. Finally, we discuss ongoing work, which was presented at the recent International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) meeting.

Keywords: bone marrow; imaging; megakaryocyte; platelet biogenesis; proplatelets.

Figure 1

Platelet biogenesis in vivo. (A) eYFP+‐MKs are detected in MPM (left panel) and are additionally labeled by anti‐CD42b‐antibodies (middle panel). Vessels and sinusoids are visualized by intravenous injection of Qdots‐655 (right panel). Scale bars indicate 50 μm. (B) Still images from time‐lapse microscopy video 1 hour after antibody injection. Antibody decorated MKs are able to form proplatelets (arrows). (C) Still images from a video showing that antibody‐decorated MKs are able to form platelet‐sized particles as well as long, extended protrusions (proplatelets, arrows), which grow substantially within the overall observation period (arrow‐heads, lower panel)