Platelet glycoproteins and their role in diseases

The role of platelet glycoprotein receptors in disorders caused by their ab sence or defects such as in Bernard-Soulier syndrome or Glanzmann's thromba sthenia has been known for many decades now. Their function as targets for pathological antibodies is also well established. The possible roles of pla telet receptors or their polymorphism variants in the origins of diseases s uch as cardiovascular disorders are less well studied. Investigation of thi s area began about five years ago and many findings still remain controvers ial. The involvement of platelet receptors in other diseases like asthma, d iabetes and HIV are only starting to be studied. (C) 2001 Editions scientif iques et medicales Elsevier SAS.