Pathobiology of pulmonary hypertension. The role of platelets and thrombosis

Clin Chest Med. 2001 Sep;22(3):451-8. doi: 10.1016/s0272-5231(05)70283-5.

Abstract

With the rare exceptions of PAH associated with antiphospholipid antibodies, genetic platelet dysfunction, or inherited deficiencies of antithrombotic pathways, the thrombotic lesions are secondary, but frequently occurring, in most cases of primary or secondary PAH. Pulmonary arterial hypertension is associated with thrombotic lesions and persistent vasoconstriction and structural remodeling of PA. Activated platelets interact with the PA wall and may contribute to the functional and structural alterations of pulmonary vessels by releasing vasoactive factors and mitogenic mediators.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blood Coagulation / physiology
  • Blood Coagulation Factor Inhibitors / physiology
  • Blood Platelets / physiology*
  • Endothelial Growth Factors / physiology
  • Endothelium, Vascular / physiopathology
  • Fibrinolysis / physiology
  • Humans
  • Hypertension, Pulmonary / pathology*
  • Hypertension, Pulmonary / physiopathology*
  • Lymphokines / physiology
  • Platelet Activation / physiology
  • Risk Factors
  • Serotonin / physiology
  • Thrombosis / physiopathology*
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors

Substances

  • Blood Coagulation Factor Inhibitors
  • Endothelial Growth Factors
  • Lymphokines
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
  • Serotonin