Platelet Factor 4 (PF4) Antibody – Sheep Polyclonal

Platelet Factor 4 (PF4) is a small high-affinity heparin binding protein localized in the alpha-granules of platelets and megacaryocytes. It is a member of a multigene "intercrinecytokine" family that includes beta-thromboglobulin, connective tissue activating peptide III, monocyte-derived neutrophil chemotactic factor and melanoma growth stimulatory factor. Human PF4 consists of 70 amino acids and has a mass of 7800 daltons. In the platelet, PF4 exists as a homo-tetramer in complex with a high-molecular weight proteoglycan carrier. PF4 is one of the most abundant proteins in the platelet alpha-granule and is considered platelet-specific, as its concentration in platelets is more than 20,000-fold greater than in plasma. The heparin neutralization activity of PF4 is believed to be due to the presence of four lysine residues interspersed among pairs of aliphatic residues in the C-terminal region of the molecule. During vessel injury, platelets are stimulated by thrombin or other agonists to release alpha-granule contents at the site of injury. Presumably the potent heparin neutralization activity of PF4 would reduce the anticoagulant activity of antithrombin, prolonging the action of thrombin and activated factor X to promote clot formation. Released PF4 also binds to heparin-like molecules on the surface of endothelial cells and hepatocytes, neutralizing the anticoagulant activity expressed by these cells. Some of the other activities attributable to PF4 include the potentiation of platelet aggregation, stimulation of fibroblast attachment to substrata, chemotactic activity with respect to neutrophils and inhibition of contact activation1,2.

1. Rucinski B, Niewiarowski S, Strzyzewski M, Holt JC, Mayo KH; Human Platelet Factor 4 and its C-Terminal Peptides: Heparin Binding and Clearance from the Circulation; Thrombosis and Haemostasis 63, pp 493-498, 1990.
2. Biochemistry and Physiology of Secreted Platelet Proteins; in Hemostasis and Thrombosis, 3rd Edition, eds. RW Colman, J Hirsh, VJ Marder and EW Salzman, pp. 546-566, J.B. Lippincott Co., Philadelphia PA, USA, 1994.

Small volumes of anti-PF4 antibody vial(s) may occasionally become entrapped in the seal of the product vial during shipment and storage. If necessary, briefly centrifuge the vial on a tabletop centrifuge to dislodge any liquid in the container`s cap. Certain products may require to ship with dry ice and additional dry ice fee may apply.

MBS512121 is an antibody targeting PF4. Also known as Sheep anti-human Platelet Factor 4 (PF4), Peroxidase Conjugated IgG. Host: Sheep.