Platelet physiology and antiplatelet agents.
Apart from the central beneficial role platelets play in hemostasis, they are also involved in atherothrombotic diseases. Here, we review the current knowledge of platelet intracellular signal transduction pathways involved in platelet adhesion, activation, amplification of the activation signal and aggregation, as well as pathways limiting platelet aggregation. A thorough understanding of these pathways allows explanation of the mechanism of action of existing antiplatelet agents, but also helps to identify targets for novel drug development.
Laboratory for Thrombosis Research, KU Leuven campus Kortrijk, Kortrijk, Belgium.
Tim
T
Thijs
Benedicte P
BP
Nuyttens
Hans
H
Deckmyn
Katleen
K
Broos
D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D001798:Blood Proteins / Q000502:physiology; D002448:Cell Adhesion; D006801:Humans; D015539:Platelet Activation; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*
D001798:Blood Proteins; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors