The immunological role of megakaryocytes is not well known. This project studies the involvement of megakaryocytes on immuno-inflammatory processes and the possible mechanism via the adhesion molecule CD36 and the synthesis of relevant cytokines. The expression of adhesion protein CD36 on human platelets, megakaryocytes and megakaryocytic cell lines (Meg-01, Dami, CHRF-288-11 and M-07e) was analyzed by using flow cytometry, ELISA and immunocytochemical methods. The expression of interleukin-1 (IL-1) to interleukin-10 (IL-10), TNF-alpha, TNF-gamma and IFN-gamma on the four megakaryocytic cell lines was also determined by RT-PCR. The effect of IL-1beta, IL-3, IL-6 and TPO on murine megakaryocyte colony formation (CFU-MK) was studied by using a plasma clot culture system. The CFU-MK was confirmed by acetylcholine esterase staining. The results showed that: (1) CD36 was expressed on platelets, megakaryocytes and the four megakaryocytic cell lines, the relative expression level is as follows: platelets > megakaryocytes > Meg-01 > Dami > CHRF-288-11 > M-07e, suggesting that the level of CD36 expression correlates with the degree of maturity of megakaryocytic differentiation; (2) inflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-3 and IL-6 were detected in all the four megakaryocytic cell lines, suggesting that different stages of megakaryocytes can be as a source of inflammatory cytokines; and (3) IL-1beta, IL-3 and IL-6, as well as TPO, play a stimulating effect on CFU-MK formation, suggesting that there is an "autocrine" effect on megakaryocytopoiesis. The data obtained suggest that megakaryocytes may involve in immuno-inflammatory processes via the synthesis of platelet adhesion molecules and inflammatory cytokines.