Platelets and arachidonic acid metabolism in human and experimental hypercholesterolemia

The reported platelet alterations support the concept that platelets may be determining factors in the occurrence of the thromboembolic complications and in the development of atheroclerosis in hypercholesterolemia. Such diseases, however, are multifactorial and platelets may directly or via their released products modulate the behavior of other cell systems, such as leucocytes, endothelial and smooth muscle cells. In particular studies on platelet-vessel wall interactions in different vascular beds, such as coronary and cerebral district, will contribute to the understanding of the basic mechanisms of platelet activation in the atherosclerotic disease.