Manual of Blood Platelets: Morphology, Physiology and Pharmacology

Platelets are tiny blood cells that help the body form clots to stop bleeding. Antiplatelet medications, such as aspirin and clopidogrel, are commonly used to thin the blood which limits clotting and reduces the risk of heart attack.

This book is a comprehensive guide to blood platelets for haematologists.

Beginning with discussion on platelet structure, morphology, function and physiology, the next chapters cover the role of calcium in platelet activation and calcium modulation by cyclic nucleotides.

The following sections explain the pharmacology of antiplatelet drugs, antiplatelet therapies, aspirin resistance, and the association of diabetes mellitus with major platelet dysfunction.

The book concludes with chapters on acute coronary problems, interaction between endothelial cells and platelets, and blood biocompatibility studies.

Authored by a Minneapolis-based expert in the field, the text is further enhanced by clinical photographs, diagrams and tables.

Key points

• Comprehensive guide to blood platelets for haematologists
• Extensive coverage of antiplatelet drugs and resistance
• Recognised author from University of Minnesota
• Highly illustrated with clinical photographs, diagrams and tables

Introduction

1. Platelet Ultrastructure Morphology
2. Platelet Morphology and Function
3. Platelet Morphology and Dysfunction
4. Platelet Physiology
5. Platelet Activation Mechanisms
6. Role of Calcium in Platelet Activation
7. Eicosanoid Metabolism and Platelet Function
8. Calcium Modulation by Cyclic Nucleotides
9. Pharmacology of Antiplatelet Drugs
10. Antiplatelet Therapies
11. Aspirin Resistance
12. Platelet Dysfunctions Associated with Diabetes Mellitus
13. Platelet Hyperfunction as a Risk Promoter for Acute Coronary Events
14. Epinephrine-induced Platelet Membrane Modulation
15. Platelet-Vessel Wall Interactions
16. Blood Biocompatibility Studies

Afterword
Bibliography
Index

Gundu HR Rao PhD
Emeritus Professor, Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Director, Thrombosis Research, Lillehei Heart Institute, Academic Health Centre, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA