Von Willebrand's factor

von Willebrand's factor is a high-molecular-weight plasma protein, produced by epithelial cells of [[]blood vesse]ls, and by megakaryocytes, that is part of the factor VIII/von Willebrand factor complex. The von Willebrand factor has receptors for collagen, platelets, and ristocetin activity as well as the immunologically distinct antigenic determinants. It functions in adhesion of platelets to collagen and hemostatic plug formation. The prolonged bleeding time in von Willebrand diseases is due to the deficiency of this factor.