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Membrane asymmetry and blood coagulation

Nature volume 268, pages 358–360 (1977)Cite this article

Abstract

ALTHOUGH there is compelling evidence that membrane components are non-randomly distributed between the two surfaces, the physiological significance of membrane asymmetry has so far remained obscure. Since the exterior surface of blood cell membranes is presumably devoid of negatively charged phospholipids which have a regulatory role in blood clotting, a possible function of lipid asymmetry in the coagulation process can be anticipated. We describe here experiments devised to show that the asymmetric distribution of membrane phospholipids in blood cells may serve a biological purpose, by contributing to maintain the delicate balance between regulating haemostasis and avoiding thrombosis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Biochemistry, State University of Utrecht, Transitorium 3, University Centre ‘De Uithof’ Padualaan 8, Utrecht, The Netherlands

    R. F. A. ZWAAL, P. COMFURIUS & L. L. M. VAN DEENEN

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  1. R. F. A. ZWAAL
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  2. P. COMFURIUS
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  3. L. L. M. VAN DEENEN
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ZWAAL, R., COMFURIUS, P. & VAN DEENEN, L. Membrane asymmetry and blood coagulation. Nature 268, 358–360 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1038/268358a0

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