[Role of blood platelets in thrombosis of the arteries and artificial surfaces].

Blood platelets play an important role in thrombus formation in arteries and on artificial surfaces and in the development of atherosclerosis under hemodynamic conditions of high blood flow. This paper reviews the biological mechanisms implicated in the interactions of blood with vascular and artificial surfaces and, in particular, the role of endothelium injury, platelet activation pathways, the thrombogenic properties of the injured vessel wall and the interactions between blood cells (platelets, monocytes), growth factors and the endothelial and smooth muscle cells of the vessel wall.