[Interaction of monocytes and blood platelets in vascular wall diseases].

Monocytes are highly versatile cells, and their functional capabilities include roles as mediators of inflammation and of the immune response. Moreover, monocytes are involved in vascular lesions, due to their interaction with the endothelium and platelets, and they have been imputed to play a relevant role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The article describes the potential regulatory role of these cells and interaction with platelets in this process.