Pannexin- and Connexin-Mediated Intercellular Communication in Platelet Function.

ABSTRACT: The three major blood cell types, i.e., platelets, erythrocytes and leukocytes, are all produced in the bone marrow. While red blood cells are the most numerous and white cells are the largest, platelets are small fragments and account for a minor part of blood volume. However, platelets display a crucial function by preventing bleeding. Upon vessel wall injury, platelets adhere to exposed extracellular matrix, become activated, and form a platelet plug preventing hemorrhagic events. However, when platelet activation is exacerbated, as in rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque, the same mechanism may lead to acute thrombosis causing major ischemic events such as myocardial infarction or stroke. In the past few years, major progress has been made in understanding of platelet function modulati

SUBMITTER: Molica F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5412434 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature