| Popis: |
In addition to their role in haemostasis and thrombosis, platelets are now known to actively participate in both allergic and non-allergic types of inflammation. Within the area of allergic disorders, including airway and cutaneous conditions, substantial clinical and experimental evidence is accumulating suggesting an important role for platelets in their pathophysiology. Taken together, the studies indicate that both the presence of functional, intact platelets and the release of inflammatory mediators from platelets are crucial events for a sustained allergic inflammatory response. Although the data currently available are convincing, further studies, especially larger clinical ones, are needed to cement the role of platelets in allergy and, thus, hopefully engender a search for novel therapies that will selectively target the pro-inflammatory functions of platelets while leaving their haemostatic functions unaffected. |
