[The role of platelets for the pathophysiology of acute coronary syndromes].
Cardiovascular diseases, especially ischaemic heart disease, are actually the most frequent causes of death in the Western world and represent a central challenge for modern research and medicine. The pathophysiology of ischaemic heart disease is based upon the development and biological remodelling of atherosclerotic plaques. Mainly at late stages, but also in the early phase of atherosclerosis, rupture of the atherosclerotic plaque occurs and may lead to the clinical manifestation of acute coronary syndromes, including unstable angina pectoris, non-transmural or transmural myocardial infarction. Next to inflammation mediating cells like monocytes, platelets play an essential role at early and late stages of atherosclerotic disorders. This review summarizes the basic pathophysiological mechanism of platelet adhesion and secretion, the molecular steps involved in platelet mediated thrombus formation in the atherosclerotic microenvironment and the role of platelet accumulation in reperfused myocardium.
Langer
H
H
Medizinische Klinik III, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Str.10, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
Gawaz
M
M