Fig. 3

GPVI expression and its correlation with adhesion capacities and ROS generation in stored platelets. As demonstrated in graph (a), CCCP-induced (p < 0.05) platelets (from 0 day-stored PCs) and 5 days-stored PCs (p < 0.05) showed significantly lower levels of GPVI expression than that of 0 day-stored PCs (analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis test with Dunn’s multiple comparison). No significant difference was shown between expression levels of CCCP- induced and 5 days-stored platelets (assessed by Mann–Whitney U test). Graph (b) shows reverse correlation between GPVI shedding and expression (r = − 0.67; p = 0.02). Reverse correlations between GPVI expression and either mitochondrial ROS (r = − 0.55; p = 0.016) or cytosolic superoxide generation (r = − 0.61; p < 0.006) have been observed in graph (c). A direct correlation was showed between GPVI expression and platelet adhesion area (r = 0.57; p = 0. 01), whereas no correlation was detected between GPVI expression and simple adhesion number (graph d). Note: Correlations were analyzed by Spearman’s rank correlation test. P values of less than 0.05 were considered to be significant. Correlation graphs have been plotted using accumulating data obtained during storage from day 0 to day 5. *p < 0.05, ns: not significant p > 0.05 (n = 6)