Platelet alpha-granule

In platelets, the term "alpha granules" is used to describe granules containing several growth factors (such as insulin-like growth factor 1, platelet-derived growth factor, TGFβ), platelet factor 4 which is a heparin-binding chemokine, and other clotting proteins (such as thrombospondin and fibronectin.) The alpha granules express the adhesion molecule P-selectin. The other type of granules within platelets are called dense granules.

A deficiency of alpha granules is known as grey platelet syndrome.

Summary -- alpha granules contain: - plt factor 4 - PDGF - fibronectin - beta-thromboglobulin - vWF - factor V - factor XIII - fibrinogen