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Gibbins, J. M., and Mahaut-Smith, M. P. (eds.). Platelets and Megakaryocytes, vol. 1: Functional Assays. Methods in Molecular Biology Series, vol. 272. 384 pp. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ, 2004. $115.00. ISBN 1-58829-101-4.

Gibbins, J. M., and Mahaut-Smith, M. P. (eds.). Platelets and Megakaryocytes, vol. 2: Perspective and Techniques. Methods in Molecular Biology Series, vol. 273. 503 pp. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ, 2004. $125.00. ISBN 1-58829-011-5.

This two-volume series contains a collection of techniques applicable to the study of platelets and megakaryocytes. Methods presented range from sample collection and platelet-counting techniques to sophisticated molecular biologic techniques such as retroviral-mediated gene expression and preparation of complementary DNA (cDNA) libraries.

Most of the chapters in both volumes start with an introduction, which precedes a section that details materials and methods. Introductions, for the most part, are easy to read, provide useful background information, and are well referenced. Illustrations are well done and useful, and a few color illustrations are included in vol. 2. The Materials and Methods sections are thorough and detailed enough to allow both novice and experienced investigators to perform the experiments. The authors writing the chapters include seasoned investigators who revolutionized the acquisition and study of platelet function and morphology as well as investigators more involved with studying the molecular biology of platelets and megakaryocytes. Part 1 of vol. 2, Perspectives, provides very useful review material concerning signaling receptors, gene expression in megakaryocytes, stored platelet lesions, and pharmacologic approaches to studying platelet function. Part 2, Signaling Techniques, consists of 22 chapters, covering a variety of techniques including ligand-binding assays, protein phosphorylation detection, lipid raft isolation, and intracellular calcium measurements in platelets and megakaryocytes. Part 3 of vol. 2 concludes with molecular techniques and discussions including preparation of cDNA libraries, platelet receptor polymorphisms, and gene array technology for the study of gene expression in platelets and megakaryocytes. Although this two-volume series contains useful information regarding the study of platelets and megakaryocytes, of concern is that most of the techniques were developed using either human or rodent platelets. This will severely limit the usefulness of this series for investigators interested in the techniques concerning platelet isolation, evaluation of platelet function, and perhaps other areas as well, in domestic animals. Veterinary pathologists working in industry will likely find the volumes more useful than those in academia, particularly with respect to platelet isolation and function, depending on the species under study.

Dr. M. K. Boudreaux

Department of Pathobiology
College of Veterinary Medicine
Auburn University
Auburn, AL

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