The role of platelets in hemostasis and the effects of snake venom toxins on platelet function.

The role of platelets in hemostasis and the effects of snake venom toxins on platelet function.
Toxicon. 2017 Apr 20;:
Authors: de Queiroz MR, de Sousa BB, da Cunha Pereira DF, Mamede CCN, Matias MS, de Morais NCG, de Oliveira Costa J, de Oliveira F
Abstract
The human body has a set of physiological processes, known as hemostasis, which keeps the blood fluid and free of clots in normal vessels; in the case of vascular injury, this process induces the local formation of a hemostatic plug, preventing hemorrhage. The hemostatic system in humans presents complex physiological interactions that involve platelets, plasma proteins, endothelial and subendothelial structures. Disequilibrium in the regulatory mechanisms that control the growth and the size of the thrombus is one of the factors that favors the development of diseases related to vascular disorders such as myocardial infarction and stroke, which are among the leading causes of death in the western world. Interfering with platelet function is a strategy for the treatment of thrombotic diseases. Antiplatelet drugs are used mainly in cases related to arterial thrombosis and interfere in the formation of the platelet plug by different mechanisms. Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) is the oldest and most widely used antithrombotic drug. Although highly effective in most cases, aspirin has limitations compared to other drugs used in the treatment of homeostatic disorders. For this reason, ...

Source: Toxicon - April 20, 2017 Category: Toxicology Authors: de Queiroz MR, de Sousa BB, da Cunha Pereira DF, Mamede CCN, Matias MS, de Morais NCG, de Oliveira Costa J, de Oliveira F Tags: Toxicon Source Type: research