Ultra structure of platelets in Asian elephants, elephas maximus

Abstract

The blood platelet, derived from megakaryocytes, and participate in the initial stages of the blood coagulation process. Although there have been a few reports presenting values for a number of blood constituents in Asian elephants (Elephas Maximus), which is now an endangered species, there is a scarcity of information available on aspects of normal fine structure of its platelet.Blood was collected from six healthy adult asian elephants and platetlcts were prepared with method used by Gentry, et al. PGEi was added to a plasma rich in protein to a final concentration of 1μM/10ml to inhibit platelet activation. Platelets were fixed with 2.5% gluteraldehyde in 1.0 M phosphate buffer at PH 7.2. Stained with tanic acid using stenberg method, and post fixed in 2.0% osmium tetroxide in the phosphate buffer. The samples were routinely processed for transmission electron microscopy.