Inherited or acquired disorders of platelet production and function can result in thrombocytopenia and bleeding. Mouse models have proven useful for investigating the mechanisms that underlie these defects in humans. Precise methods for blood withdrawal, platelet isolation and measurement of platelet parameters are key for the generation of reproducible and conclusive data. Here, we provide three different protocols for mouse platelet isolation to encourage research knowledge transfer between experienced laboratories, while at the same time enabling less experienced researchers to implement a protocol that best suits their local expertise and equipment. We also address the issue that reported mouse platelet count and size vary considerably in the literature by investigating different factors that influence these important platelet parameters, namely: 1) genetic background and gender, 2) choice of analysis method (hematological analyzer or flow cytometry), 3) dilution of the blood sample and 4) choice of anticoagulant. The herein presented results and considerations may serve as a practical guide for both experienced and new researchers in the platelet field.

中文翻译：

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小鼠血液采集、血小板分离和血小板计数和大小测量——实用指南。

遗传性或获得性血小板生成和功能障碍可导致血小板减少和出血。小鼠模型已被证明可用于研究人类这些缺陷背后的机制。采血、血小板分离和血小板参数测量的精确方法是生成可重复和结论性数据的关键。在这里，我们提供了三种不同的小鼠血小板分离方案，以鼓励经验丰富的实验室之间的研究知识转移，同时使经验不足的研究人员能够实施最适合其当地专业知识和设备的方案。我们还通过研究影响这些重要血小板参数的不同因素来解决文献中报道的小鼠血小板计数和大小差异很大的问题，即：1）遗传背景和性别，2）分析方法（血液分析仪或流式细胞仪）的选择，3）血样的稀释和4）抗凝剂的选择。本文提出的结果和考虑可以作为血小板领域有经验的和新的研究人员的实用指南。