title: Platelets, inflammation and atherosclerosis.
abstract: An expanding body of evidence continues to build on the role of platelets as initial actors in the development of atherosclerotic lesions. Platelets bind to leukocytes and endothelial cells, and initiate monocyte transformation into macrophages. Platelets internalize oxidized phospholipids and promote foam cell formation. Platelets also recruit progenitor cells to the scene that are able to differentiate into foam cells or endothelial cells depending on conditions. Platelets tip the scales in the initiation, development and total extent of atherosclerotic lesions.
authors.affiliation: Medizinische Klinik III, Eberhard Karls-Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lindemann
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Krämer
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Seizer
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gawaz
mesh_terms: D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000502:physiology*; D002448:Cell Adhesion; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics
chemical_list: D012333:RNA, Messenger