A cutting-edge review of the latest findings on the complexities of platelet function and the various means of inhibiting platelet clot formation. The authors delineate an up-to-date picture of platelet biology and describe methods for assessing platelet function, including the commonly used platelet aggregation, thromboxane production, procoagulant function, platelet function under flow, and the expression of platelet activation markers. The focus is both on the technology and the outcome of research on platelets, including the fast developing fields of proteomics and genomics and their application to platelet research. The clinical applications of the various methods for the assessment of platelet function in vivo, as well as antiplatelet therapy, are fully discussed.

Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

Part I. Platelet PhysiologyPlatelet PhysiologyMartin QuinnPlatelet Integrins and SignalingKarlheinz PeterPlatelet AdhesionBrian Savage and Zaverio M. RuggeriStructure-Function of the Platelet CytoskeletonElaine L. BearerPlatelets and InflammationMeinrad GawazPlatelet Signal-Dependent Protein SynthesisStephan Lindemann, Thomas M. McIntyre, Stephen M. Prescott, Guy A. Zimmerman, and Andrew S. WeyrichPhosphoproteomics of Human PlateletsKatrin Marcus and Helmut E. MeyerPart II. Assessing Platelet FunctionPlatelet Function StudiesDermot CoxPlatelet Function Under FlowJosé A. López, Ian del Conde, and Jing-Fei DongPharmacodynamics of GPIIb-IIIa Receptor BlockadeLisa K. Jennings and Melanie M. WhiteProstanoid Generation in Platelet Function: Assessment and Clinical RelevanceBianca Rocca and Carlo PatronoPlatelets and ProthrombinMichael Kalafatis, Emil Negrescu, Tatiana Byzova, and Edward F. PlowMarkers of Platelet Activation and Granule SecretionAlan D. Michelson and Mark I. FurmanGenomic and Proteomic Analysis of Platelets: Clinical ApplicationsAndrew Maree and James McRedmondPart III. Clinical ApplicationsAntiplatelet AgentsJacqueline Saw and David J. MoliternoAssessing Platelet Function in Clinical TrialsNeal KleimanIndex