Fatal Dysfunction and Fragmentation of Thrombin-Stimulated Platelets

Introduction: Platelets play a key role in formation of protective hemostatic blood clots and pathological obstructive thrombi. Under (patho)physiological conditions, chemically activated platelets change their morphology, express adhesive molecules, undergo aggregation, secrete procoagulant substances, and induce mechanical contraction (retraction) of the blood clots. Despite the vital importance of these platelet functions, the subsequent fate...