The ductus arteriosus is a fetal right-to-left shunt bypassing the unventilated lungs. Its closure shortly after birth is essential for the circulatory adaptation of the newborn. In this thesis, we analysed the role of platelets for this physiologic vessel occlusion. Shortly after birth, substrates for thrombus formation and occluding thrombi could be identified. Mice with impaired platelet function had a significantly increased incidence for persistent ductus arteriosus. Further, we showed that platelets also contribute to intimal remodeling, which is necessary for permanent occlusion. When this process was further evaluated, a luminal population of progenitor cells was found in the ductus arteriosus. Hence, we show here for the first time, that platelets not only seal the residual lumen, but also influence intimal remodeling in the closing ductus arteriosus.
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The ductus arteriosus is a fetal right-to-left shunt bypassing the unventilated lungs. Its closure shortly after birth is essential for the circulatory adaptation of the newborn. In this thesis, we analysed the role of platelets for this physiologic vessel occlusion. Shortly after birth, substrates for thrombus formation and occluding thrombi could be identified. Mice with impaired platelet function had a significantly increased incidence for persistent ductus arteriosus. Further, we showed that...
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