Molecular Defects in Interactions of Platelets with the Vessel Wall

Abstract

EARLY in this century, it was clearly demonstrated that blood platelets are essential for hemostasis,¹ and shortly thereafter the first report appeared demonstrating that a congenital hemorrhagic disease can result from abnormal platelet function.² Since that time, descriptions of many additional disorders have greatly added to our understanding of the role of platelets in normal hemostasis.^{3 4 5 6} Analytical techniques developed during the past decade have helped both to identify the molecular abnormalities causing these disorders and to define the mechanisms of platelet-vessel-wall interactions. It has been demonstrated that platelet function requires the presence of specific receptors on the platelet surface that . . .