title: The evolution of platelet-directed pharmacotherapy.
abstract: The evolution of platelet directed pharmacotherapy in the prevention and treatment of patients with thrombotic disorders is based soundly on a rapidly expanding knowledge of platelet biology. Traditionally viewed, throughout most of its relatively brief history in medicine, as an anucleate, passive contributor to hemostasis, a more contemporary perspective acknowledges platelets as complex, multidimensional cells that participate actively in coagulation, vascular repair, angiogenesis and thrombosis within the micro and the macro-circulatory systems. Herein, we consider platelet-directed pharmacotherapy from these fundamental, biology-based exemplars--megakaryocytes, signal transduction and the platelet--coagulation protease interface. We also highlight the emerging biopharmacology platform of oligonucleotide platelet adhesion antagonists and their complementary antidotes.
authors.affiliation: Division of Hematology, Duke University School of Medicine, Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, NC 27705, USA. becke021@mc.duke.edu
authors.forename: R C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Becker
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Smyth
mesh_terms: D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D006801:Humans; D008533:Megakaryocytes; D009841:Oligonucleotides / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000266:history / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015398:Signal Transduction; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D009841:Oligonucleotides; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors