Abundant Retention and Release of Connective Tissue Growth Factor (CTGF/CCN2) by Platelets

Abstract

Wound healing and tissue regeneration are usually initiated by coagulation followed by fibrous tissue formation. In the present study, we discovered an abundance of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2) in human platelets, which was released along with the coagulation process. The CTGF/CCN2 content in platelets was 10-fold higher than that in arterial tissue. Furthermore, the CTGF/CCN2 content in a single platelet was computed to be more than 20-fold higher than that of any other growth factor reported. Considering that CTGF/CCN2 promotes angiogenesis, cartilage regeneration, fibrosis and platelet adhesion, it may be now regarded as one of the major functional components of platelets.