Human blood platelets cause the collagen gel retraction (CGR) with concomitant exclusion
of fluid. CGR is positively related to the number of incorporated platelets and inversely
to collagen concentration. Disruption of platelets, EDTA and cytochalasin B inhibit
CGR. Platelets from patients with Glanzmann's thrombasthenia are active in CGR. The
similarities and differences of CGR and fibrin retraction are discussed.
Key words
Blood platelet - Collagen gel retraction