title: Targeting platelet thrombin receptor signaling to prevent thrombosis.
abstract: Platelets contribute fundamentally to ischemic heart disease, and antiplatelet therapy has been critical to reducing acute thrombotic complications of atherosclerotic disease. Thrombin, by acting on protease activated receptors (PAR), is one of the most potent platelet activators. PAR-1 antagonists may therefore provide more comprehensive antithrombotic effects. We review the pathophysiology of atherothrombosis, platelet activation by thrombin, the role of platelet protease activated receptors (PAR), and the clinical data supporting their use.
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and the Gill Heart Institute, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA. eric.wallace@uky.edu.
authors.forename: Eric L
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: Wallace
authors.forename: Susan S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Smyth