Incomplete Inhibition of Platelet Aggregation and Glycoprotein IIb-IIIa Receptor Blockade by Abciximab: Importance of Internal Pool of Glycoprotein IIb-IIIa Receptors

Summary Resting platelets contain a substantial internal pool of GPIIb-IIIa complexes that is exposed on the surface of activated platelets. Whether the exposure of internal GPIIb-IIIa complexes on the activated platelet surface affects therapy with GPIIb-IIIa antagonists is poorly understood. We addressed this issue in thirteen patients who underwent elective coronary stenting and received abciximab. Platelet aggregation, surface expression of...