Maria Cristina Constantinescu *
* Dr. Maria Cristina Constantinescu, asistent universitar, Catedra de Farmacologie, Facultatea de Medicină UMF “Carol Davila”, București
Abstract
Platelets have a key part in atherosclerosis, thrombosis and acute coronary syndromes. Therapeutic manipulation of platelet function has focused principally on the use of aspirin, which has proved effective in many clincal situations, despite its relatively weak antiplatelet action. Recently the platelet glycoprotein lib/Illa receptor has been identified as the pivotal mediator of platelet aggregation, making it a logical target for control of the platelet response to vascular injury. Major progress has been made by development of platelet glycoprotein llb/ Illa antagonists, which block the final pathway of platelet aggregation. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge of the biology of glycoprotein Ilb/Illa receptors and of the new agents that alter platelet function.