[Molecular biology of endothelium-platelet interactions and thrombogenesis].

The net effect on vascular reactivity and thrombosis resulting from interactions of the endothelium with platelets is diverse. Platelet-endothelium interactions include platelet attachments to the vessels and the release of endothelium-derived platelet inhibitors. Identification of the platelet thrombin receptor revealed a unique proteolytic mechanism of receptor activation. The myriad of receptors, ligands, and the associated generation of intracellular messengers by heterotypic interactions offers numerous attractive targets for therapeutic intervention.