Adipocytokines in Atherothrombosis: Focus on Platelets and Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Figure 1

Mechanisms involved in platelet adhesion to subendothelial layer and activation. The diagram illustrates the role of von Willebrand factor (vWF), collagen and other proteins in platelet adhesion by linking to exposure of membrane glycoprotein receptors including GPIb//V/IX complex, GPIIb/IIIa, and GPVI which ensures a stable anchorage with subendothelial matrix by interaction with collagen. Platelet activation and aggregation are triggered by thrombin, endogenous mediators released from storage granules, and synthesis of platelet activating factor (PAF), and thromboxane A₂ (TXA₂). P2Y1/12, purinergic P2Y receptors; TP$\alpha$, thromboxane $\alpha$ receptor; 5HT-2A, serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine)-2A receptor; PAR-1, protease-activated receptor-1; PAR-4, protease-activated receptor-4; ${\alpha }_2$ AR, ${\alpha }_2$ adrenoreceptor.