Handbook Of Platelet Physiology And Pharmacology

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.

Platelets are tiny blood cells that help the body form clots to stop bleeding. Antiplatelet medications, such as aspirin and clopidogrel, are commonly used to thin the blood which limits clotting and reduces the risk of heart attack. This book is a comprehensive guide to blood platelets for haematologists. Beginning with discussion on platelet structure, morphology, function and physiology, the next chapters cover the role of calcium in platelet activation and calcium modulation by cyclic nucleotides. The following sections explain the pharmacology of antiplatelet drugs, antiplatelet therapies, aspirin resistance, and the association of diabetes mellitus with major platelet dysfunction. The book concludes with chapters on acute coronary problems, interaction between endothelial cells and platelets, and blood biocompatibility studies. Authored by a Minneapolis-based expert in the field, the text is further enhanced by clinical photographs, diagrams and tables. Key points Comprehensive guide to blood platelets for haematologists Extensive coverage of antiplatelet drugs and resistance Recognised author from University of Minnesota Highly illustrated with clinical photographs, diagrams and tables

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.

Platelets playa fundamental, life-saving role in hemostasis and blood clotting at sites of vascular injury. Unwanted platelet activation and arterial thombus formation are, however, implicated in the onset of myocardial infarction, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases. Acceptance that platelets play a major role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis including coronary heart disease has revolutionized the pharmacological treatment of cardiovascular diseases, and aspirin is now an essential antiplatelet drug and the golden standard for future developments. Yet the search for better and perhaps safer antiplatelet drugs is one of the most active areas of investigation in both basic and clinical research. Platelets, especially human platelets, have also emerged as one of the major models for the study of inter- and intracellular signal transduction pathways. Many biochemists, cell biologists, pharmacologists, pathologists, hematologists, and cardiologists find platelets useful for studying processes such as adhesion, inside-out and outside-in signalling through the plasma membrane, channels, calcium homeostasis, protein kinases, the network of intracellular signal transduction cascades, and the release of vasoactive substances. The aim of the editors has been to compile chapters summarizing the current state-of-the-art information on the biochemistry, cell biology, pharmacology, and physiologic and pathophysiologic roles of human platelets. We hope that this volume represents the major aspects of current platelet research although it is perhaps inevitable that certain areas are covered less thoroughly than others. We would like to acknowledge the excellent help and support of the Springer-Verlag staff, in particular that of Ms. Doris Walker.

Advanced Cardiovascular Exercise Physiology details the effect of acute and chronic exercise training on each component of the cardiovascular system and how those components adapt to and benefit from a systematic program of exercise training.

A rapid increase in our understanding of the biology of platelets and their role in disease in recent years has been paralleled by increasing successes with established platelet-modifying therapies in many clinical conditions. This text focuses on the clinical role of platelets in a wide variety of haematologic, cardiovascular and other disorders, providing a practical, clinically relevant handbook for all clinicians and researchers interested in platelets and their role in disease. Covering platelet physiology, bleeding disorders, thrombotic disorders and antithrombotic therapy. Chapters cover all the conventional and less conventional aspects of platelet involvement in disease, with an emphasis on recent clinical developments. Clear take home messages have been included in each chapter to aid clinical practice. With contributions from leading experts across three continents, Platelets in Hematologic and Cardiovascular Disorders is an up-to-date, well illustrated, practical resource for everyone involved in clinical practice with platelet disorders.