Evaluation of Platelet Antagonists in In Vitro Flow Models of Thrombosis

Intravascular thrombosis is one of the most frequent pathological events that affects mankind, and a major cause of morbidity and mortality in developed countries. There is abundant evidence suggesting that platelets play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of arterial thrombotic disorders, including unstable angina (UA), myocardial infarction (MI), and stroke (1 –3 ). The underlying pathophysiological mechanism of these processes has been recognized as the disruption or erosion of a vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque, leading to local platelet adhesion and subsequent formation of partially or completely occlusive platelet thrombi.