title: Platelets as initiators and mediators of inflammation at the vessel wall.
abstract: Platelets are dynamic cells with activities that extend beyond thrombosis including an important role in initiating and sustaining vascular inflammation. A role for platelets has been described in many physiologic and pathophysiologic processes such as atherosclerosis, stem cell trafficking, tumor metastasis, and arthritis. Platelet activation at sites of an intact inflamed endothelium contributes to vascular inflammation and vascular wall remodeling. Platelets secrete a wide array of preformed and synthesized inflammatory mediators upon activation that can exert significant local and systemic effects. This review will focus on the role of platelet derived mediators in vascular inflammation and vascular wall remodeling.
authors.affiliation: Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Box CVRI, Rochester, New York 14642, USA.
authors.forename: Guanfang
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Shi
authors.forename: Craig N
authors.initials: CN
authors.lastname: Morrell
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000097:blood; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000097:blood*; D051379:Mice; D014652:Vascular Diseases / Q000097:blood*