Book Description

The Platelets: Physiology and Pharmacology is a critical review of the basic platelet systems, methodologic critiques, and platelet involvement in major disease states. This book is composed of 20 chapters that specifically deal with the physiology and biochemistry of the platelet system, along with possibilities for, and consequences of, pharmacologic manipulation. The opening chapters examine the basic processes of platelet aggregation and adhesion. These topics are followed by discussions on the types and functions of platelet a-granule proteins; the aspects of adenine nucleotide levels, regulation, and storage; and receptors for catecholamines and consequences of their agonism. Other chapters are devoted to the metabolism of arachidonic acid, its manipulation, consequences, and metabolite receptors. The discussion then shifts to the second-messenger entities, specifically calmodulin, calcium, and cyclic adenosine monophosphate. A chapter presents the comparisons of man and commonly used laboratory animals concerning platelet behavior variability. Another chapter looks into the use and appropriateness of the use of platelets as models of neurons, with a special emphasis on serotonergic neurons. The remaining chapters contain critical reviews of platelet involvement in diabetes, hypertension and peripheral vascular disease, atherogenesis/atherosclerosis, and ischemic heart disease. These chapters also include specific techniques for platelet analysis, including lumiaggregometry, eicosanoid measurements, and serotonin uptake and release. This book is an invaluable source for pharmacologists, biochemists, researchers, and clinicians who are interested in platelet involvement in disease.