Models to study thrombotic disorders.
Experimental models of thrombosis and vascular injury are important research resources that have enhanced our understanding of this pathophysiological process. Animal models provide insights into the prevalence of mechanisms that have been outlined in isolated cell and protein studies. The availability of transgenic and gene knockout animals will allow to pinpoint the relative functional importance of single changes in specific gene products in the pathophysiological process. The advances generated in our understanding of vascular injury and blood interaction with the vascular wall will facilitate the formulation of new strategies for cardiovascular protection an the prevention and treatment of thrombosis. The importance of thrombosis is highlighted by its dramatic consequences, which are the concern of numerous studies aimed at improving both treatment and diagnosis (1-3). Ultimately these studies are based on the evolving research on the mechanisms of thrombus formation. Blood factors, vessel wall factors, and cell-cell interactions in the context of fluid dynamics regulate thrombus formation and should be thoroughly investigated.
Badimon
L
L
Cardiovascular Research Center, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas, Hospital de la Santa Cruz y San Pablo, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Spain. lbmucv@cid.csic.es
D000818:Animals; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000502:physiology; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D018450:Disease Progression; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000503:physiopathology*