Haemostatic Plug Formation

Activation of platelets also causes expression of fibrinogen receptors on the platelet surface causing platelets to stick together - aggregation. Initially this is reversible but becomes irreversible when the platelets start to degranulate. Glycoprotein llb/llla receptors are also expressed on the platelet surface. They are involved in platelet - platelet binding, with molecules of fibrinogen acting as a bridge.

These receptors have been used as drug targets - glycoprotein llb/llla inhibitors, e.g., abciximab - which are effective anti-platelet drugs.