Platelet interaction with synthetic copolypeptide films.

Kinetic and equilibrium studies of blood platelet binding to copolypeptide films show that attachment and serotonin release are not dependent upon the composition of the copolypeptide. Data may be explained by postulating that platelets frequently collide elastically with the surface but leave behind material that modifies subsequent behavior. Similarly, material released from platelets adsorbs at the interface and the extent of attachment and serotonin release are modified and controlled by these adsorbed species. Basically, if the platelet is exposed to a clean surface, its collision with the surface leads to activation and release. In the presence of inert protein, the collision is cushioned by the protein and platelets do not attach or release to any extent. Finally, if protein (or other entities) released from the platelet provide attachment sites, than attachment occurs without release. It is postulated that the behavior of platelets at surfaces is controlled by these interrelated processes.