Different Stages of Platelet Adhesion to the Site of Vascular Injury

Platelet activation and adhesion to the site of vascular injury is a dynamic process comprising reversible and irreversible phases. Platelet adhesion typically occurs in a multi-step process similar to the selectin/integrin-mediated adhesion of neutrophils. This phenomenon is highly regulated and influenced by the cross-talk between platelets and injured endothelium. This cross-talk involves a variety of mediators including adhesion molecules and receptors, agonists, chemokines, shed proteins and various proinflammatory lipids. This review briefly discuses the main adhesion molecules and receptors involved in both reversible and irreversible phases of platelet adhesion to the site of vascular injury, leading to a better characterization of the multistep mechanisms of thrombus formation.