ABSTRACT
Although it is quite well established that blood platelets play an important role in a number of pathophysiological reactions, their ability to adhere to one another (aggregation) and to the subendothelial structures following intimal injury is certainly one of their most important functions. 1 - 3 Platelets are endowed with powerful biochemical stimuli, which are released on site when they adhere. These stimuli include (1) vasoconstricting agents that help reduce the size of the opening following vascular injury, (2) activating agents that recruit other platelets, activate the coagulation pathway, and help consolidate the hemostatic plug, and (3) growth factors that promote the proliferation of smooth muscle cells to initiate the processes that help repair the damaged vessel wall. 4 - 6 These reactions manifest the intricacies of a complex series of responses that proceed in an orderly sequence to achieve effective hemostasis.
