Pharmaceuticals (Aug 2013)

Targeting Platelet Thrombin Receptor Signaling to Prevent Thrombosis

  • Susan S. Smyth,
  • Eric L. Wallace

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/ph6080915
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 6, no. 8
pp. 915 – 928

Abstract

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Platelets contribute fundamentally to ischemic heart disease, and antiplatelet therapy has been critical to reducing acute thrombotic complications of atherosclerotic disease. Thrombin, by acting on protease activated receptors (PAR), is one of the most potent platelet activators. PAR-1 antagonists may therefore provide more comprehensive antithrombotic effects. We review the pathophysiology of atherothrombosis, platelet activation by thrombin, the role of platelet protease activated receptors (PAR), and the clinical data supporting their use.

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