Morphologic changes occurring in human platelets activated on CRP-coated surfaces.

Representative morphology of a single human platelet activated on a CRP-coated surface. Platelets were allowed to adhere to CRP-coated glass coverslips. Attachment and activation were followed by video microscopy. Images shown are captured at 2-minute intervals after the initial adhesion and activation reaction. Major morphologic changes occur in CRP-activated platelets: adherence effects a rounding of the discoid cell; filopodia are protruded and retracted; filopodia form and rotate; and spaces between filopodia are filled by lamellipodia protrusion. Time is indicated in minutes.