Role of Calcium in Platelet Activation: Novel Insights and Pharmacological Implications

Platelets are involved in haemostasis and vessel integrity under physiologic conditions, and in thrombosis under disease states. Platelet activation upon stimulation with various agonists in vitro and in vivo, is strongly dependent on an increase of intracellular Ca2+ concentration. The latter results from Ca2+ release by the dense tubular system (DTS), and Ca2+ entry from the extracellular space. Recent advances in identification of the molecular mechanisms involved in these processes are described in this review, along with potential targets for pharmacologic interventions in disease states.