Platelets in Thrombosis and Atherosclerosis

Platelets are anucleate cells generated from megakaryocytes in the bone marrow. After being released into the blood,platelets play essential roles in hemostasis and preserving vessel wall integrity. However,the processes of platelet adhesion,activation,and aggregation at the site of vascular injury may also cause vessel occlusion,and lead to thrombotic diseases.

Platelets are anucleate cells generated from megakaryocytes in the bone marrow. After being released into the blood, platelets play essential roles in hemostasis and preserving vessel wall integrity. However, the processes of platelet adhesion, activation, and aggregation at the site of vascular injury may also cause vessel occlusion, and lead to thrombotic diseases. The formation of platelet rich thrombi following the rupture of atherosclerotic lesions is a common cause of myocardial and cerebral infarction. In addition to their pivotal roles in thrombosis and hemostasis, platelets also contain significant amounts of P-selectin, CD40/CD40L, TGF-β and other inflammatory factors. Through interaction with endothelial cells, leukocytes and/or progenitor cells and by regulation of the immune response, platelets may also play important roles in the initiation and development of atherosclerotic lesions.