Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa platelet receptor inhibitors: a new dimension in cardiology.
Platelets play a key role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, acute coronary syndromes and ischaemic complications following percutaneous coronary intervention. More recently, the platelet glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa receptor has been identified as the pivotal mediator of platelet aggregation, leading to thrombus formation. This has led to the emergence of a novel class of potent antiplatelet agent, the GP IIb/IIIa receptor antagonists. These agents show great promise in reducing ischaemic complications of coronary angioplasty and acute coronary syndromes. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge of the biology of GP IIb/IIIa receptor, the different classes of GP IIb/IIIa receptor antagonists, the results of the various trials, and their impact on current clinical practice.
Tan
H C
HC
Cardiac Department, National University Hospital, Singapore.
D015906:Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary; D000818:Animals; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006801:Humans; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019039:Platelet Glycoprotein GPIIb-IIIa Complex / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D010980:Platelet Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D011300:Preoperative Care
D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; D019039:Platelet Glycoprotein GPIIb-IIIa Complex; D010980:Platelet Membrane Glycoproteins