Changes of platelet morphology, ultrastructure and function in patients with acute ischemic stroke based on super- resolution microscopy

Abstract There still require more detail information of platelet ultrastructure and antiplatelet drug choices in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients. These are restricted by microscopic limitations and sensitivity of platelet. The new super-resolution microscope (SIM) can accurately, quickly analyze platelet. We applied SIM to observe the morphology and ultrastructure of platelets with AIS patients in four different states. Analyzing SIM images to quantification the change of dense granules and α granules in platelets. Testing platelet factor 4 (PF4) to reflect platelet granule function. We speculated that the diameter of platelets, average size of granules, area% of granules per field and mean area of granules per platelet in AIS patient were lower than healthy people in rest stage. Under activated state, α granule of AIS patients showed a pattern of parenchymatousfluorescent masses. Platelet granule function was suppressed at rest stage and showed hyper-responsiveness after stimulation in AIS patients. 2MeSamp has a stronger inhibition effect to α granules of platelets than aspirin. According to the results, there are heterogeneity in the structure and function of platelets in AIS patients. Additionally, analyzing platelets based on SIM could be used as a new method to indicates the onset of AIS and assess antiplatelet drugs.