Biochemistry Of Blood Platelets

The Novartis Foundation Series is a popular collection of the proceedings from Novartis Foundation Symposia, in which groups of leading scientists from a range of topics across biology, chemistry and medicine assembled to present papers and discuss results. The Novartis Foundation, originally known as the Ciba Foundation, is well known to scientists and clinicians around the world.

Biochemistry of Platelets is a comprehensive review of the biochemistry of platelets, with emphasis on the molecular basis for the various biological processes in which they participate. Topics range from stimulus-response coupling mechanisms to platelet contractile proteins, platelet membrane glycoproteins, and storage organelles in platelets and megakaryocytes. The expression and function of adhesive proteins on the platelet surface is also discussed. Comprised of 12 chapters, this book begins with a description of the morphological and metabolic responses to agonists, as well as the involvement of certain processes in the coupling of agonist-receptor interactions to platelet responses. The following chapter deals with platelet arachidonate metabolism and platelet-activating factor, focusing on the release of arachidonate from platelet lipid stores; pathways of platelet arachidonate metabolism and effects of arachidonate metabolites; and inhibition of platelet arachidonate metabolism by aspirin. The structure, function, and modification in disease of platelet membrane glycoproteins are then discussed, along with prothrombin activation on platelets and platelet regulation of thrombus formation. Secreted platelet proteins as markers for pathological disorders are also considered. This monograph is intended as a reference for investigators involved in platelet research as well as a source of information for those working in other areas of biological investigation.

The Circulating Platelet focuses on the biochemistry and physiology of platelets. Composed of contributions of authors, the compilation starts with the discussions on the origin, discovery, production, and life span of blood platelets. The discussions continue with the morphology of platelets. Concerns include peripheral, sol-gel, and organelle zones and the membrane systems. The book also looks at the energy metabolism of thrombocytes and highlights the presence of glycoproteins in blood platelets. These include polysaccharides, glucosaminoglycans, and glycoproteins. The text also discusses the properties, functions, and the physiological value of thrombosthenin. The compilation further discusses platelet aggregation and functions of platelets. Concerns include collection and processing of platelets; preparation of homogenates; and the agents that influence platelet aggregation. The role of platelets in blood clots and fibrinolysis is emphasized. The selection ends with discussions on the immunological reactions of platelets; the clinical diseases related to blood platelets; and blood transfusion and preservation. The text is vital for researchers interested in studying blood platelets.

This is the first comprehensive work to review blood platelet biochemistry, physiology, pharmacology, and function. It provides up-to-date information on how platelets function, the biochemical mechanisms that modulate their physiology and function, as well as the pharmacology of platelet inhibitory drugs.

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.