ADVANCING THE BATTLE AGAINST ACUTE ISCHEMIC SYNDROMES - A FOCUS ON THE GP IIB-IIIA INHIBITORS

Platelet aggregation and thrombus formation, resulting from disruption of a coronary artery plaque, play a critical role in the pathology of acute coronary syndromes. Currently, aspirin and heparin are administ ered to decrease platelet aggregation. The discovery of the platelet i ntegrin receptor alpha(IIb)beta(3), also known as the platelet glycopr otein (GP) IIb-IIIa receptor, is a breakthrough in antiplatelet therap y. The GP IIb-IIIa receptor is responsible for the crucial binding of fibrinogen to platelets, leading to cross-links between platelets and further platelet aggregation. Since the introduction of abciximab, the first GP IIb-IIIa-receptor antagonist, several other nonantibody agen ts have been studied for use in percutaneous transluminal coronary ang ioplasty and also in stent placement, treatment of unstable angina, an d myocardial infarction.