title: The role of platelets in inflammation.
abstract: There is growing recognition of the critical role of platelets in inflammation and immune responses. Recent studies have indicated that antiplatelet medications may reduce mortality from infections and sepsis, which suggests possible clinical relevance of modifying platelet responses to inflammation. Platelets release numerous inflammatory mediators that have no known role in haemostasis. Many of these mediators modify leukocyte and endothelial responses to a range of different inflammatory stimuli. Additionally, platelets form aggregates with leukocytes and form bridges between leukocytes and endothelium, largely mediated by platelet P-selectin. Through their interactions with monocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes and the endothelium, platelets are therefore important coordinators of inflammation and both innate and adaptive immune responses.
authors: Dr. Mark R. Thomas, BMedSci BMBS MRCP, Department of Cardiovascular Science, University of Sheffield, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield, S10 2RX, UK, Tel.: +44 114 3052019, Fax: +44 114 2266159, E-mail markthomas@doctors.org.uk.
authors: Mark R
authors: MR
authors: Thomas
authors: Robert F
authors: RF
authors: Storey
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D002450:Cell Communication; D003141:Communicable Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology; D054884:Host-Pathogen Interactions; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology; D018836:Inflammation Mediators / Q000097:blood*; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology; D010973:Platelet Adhesiveness; D010974:Platelet Aggregation; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015398:Signal Transduction
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D018836:Inflammation Mediators; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors
keywords: Platelets; immune response; infection; inflammation; thrombosis