Evaluation of platelet activation in coronary artery disease - the role offlow cytometry

Within the last decade flow cytometry gave many new insights into the physi ology and pathophysiology of platelet activation. This review provides an o verview of the different flow-cytometric techniques which have been applied to study platelet activation in patients with coronary artery disease. CD6 2p is probably the most commonly used platelet activation marker in patient s with coronary artery disease. Other antibodies (PAC 1, LIBS1, anti-FGN, e tc.) can be utilized to monitor activation of the glycoprotein (GP) IIb/III a receptor. The analysis of microparticles, platelet-leukocyte conjugates, and intraplatelet signaling cascades provides additional information on the different steps of platelet activation. However, activation markers do not always adequately reflect the degree of platelet activation. Limitations o f flow-cytometric techniques will be discussed. Flow cytometry shows that G P IIb/IIIa activation plays a pivotal role in coronary artery thrombosis wh ich supports the development of GP IIb/IIIa receptor blockers to treat acut e coronary syndromes. The GP IIb/IIIa-receptor occupancy assay is one of th e first flow-cytometric platelet assays designed to become a part of routin e hematology analysis. Flow-cytometric techniques contribute substantially to our understanding of platelet activation during acute coronary syndromes and thus to the development of new drugs and therapeutic approaches.