Platelet Pathophysiology and its Role in Thrombosis

Multiple lines of evidence support the important role of platelets in thrombosis and subsequent clinical manifestations. Following platelet activation, the two agonists such as thromboxane A2 (TxA2) and adenosine diphosphate (ADP) generated at the site of vascular injury play a critical role in the amplification of platelet activation in response to other stimuli and in the final activation of glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa receptors. Currently, the antiplatelet agents such as aspirin (inhibits platelet cyclooxygenase-1 enzyme and subsequent TxA2 generation), P2Y12 receptor blockers, and GPIIb/IIIa blockers constitute a major part of the pharmacological strategy to prevent thrombosis, an important cause of myocardial infarction and death.