Figure 2.

Summary of the changes that occur during a platelet’s life span in the healthy circulation. Following release from the precursor megakaryocyte, platelets circulate for 7–10 days during which they undergo extensive changes. Platelet aging over this period is associated with a reduction in endogenous RNA and protein content, leading to a reduced hemostatic function. However, platelets also have the capability to endocytose exogenous RNA and protein which may affect their function in ways that have yet to be defined.