Shear-Induced Platelet Activation is Sensitive to Age and Calcium Availability: A Comparison of Adult and Cord Blood.

Increased PS activity on purified sheared cord platelets suggest that their intrinsic function under pathological flow conditions is suppressed by cell-cell or plasmatic components. Although secretory functions of adult and cord platelets retain comparable calcium-dependence, PS exposure in sheared cord platelets is uniquely calcium-independent and distinct from adults. Identification of calcium-regulated developmental disparities in shear-mediated platelet function may provide novel targets for age-specific antiplatelet therapy.