Role of RBCs in clot shrinkage under varying conditions. (A) Comparative kinetic curves and representative photographic images showing clots formed from PDP with RBCs (shrunken clot) or without RBCs (unshrunk clot). (B) At low platelet counts (mimicking thrombocytopenia), RBCs promote clot shrinkage proportionately to the platelet content. The final extent of clot shrinkage was measured in PPP containing 20×103/μL, 50×103/μL, and 70×103/μL either without or with addition of 4×106/μL RBCs. Results from 4 experiments with plasma and washed RBC of independent donors are presented as a mean ± standard error of the mean. Statistical significance of the observed differences was confirmed using a paired 2-tailed t test. PDP, platelet-depleted plasma; PPP, platelet-poor plasma.
