Title:Molecular Interplay between Platelets and the Vascular Wall in Thrombosis and Hemostasis
Volume: 11
Issue: 4
Author(s): Alejandro Berna-Erro, Pedro C. Redondo, Esther Lopez, Letizia Albarran and Juan A. Rosado
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Coagulation cascade, hemostasis, platelets, thrombosis, vascular endothelial cells.
Abstract: Hemostasis is an intrinsic property of the vascular system that prevents blood loss during accidental disruption
of the vessel wall. Late mechanisms of hemostasis comprise vessel repair and wound healing. In contrast, the early
mechanism of hemostasis comprises the quick formation of a blood cell plug, also known as thrombus, whose function is
to seal the region of the vessel near the compromised surface or area. Despite the simplicity of the concept, the molecular
mechanisms underlying early hemostasis are highly complex. The local rheological properties of the blood flow, the vascular
region and the nature of the injury determine the mechanism of thrombogenesis. Components of the plasma, blood
cells such as platelets and vascular endothelial cells are involved in thrombosis. This review focuses on platelet-vascular
wall interactions during thrombosis and hemostasis and provides an overview of the main underlying molecular mechanisms.
