Marker proteins of platelet activation in patients with cerebrovascular disease

Marc Fisher, University of Massachusetts Medical School
Peter H. Levine
Albert L. Fullerton
Ann D. Forsberg, UMass Memorial Health Care
Celeste P. Duffy
James J. Hoogasian
David A. Drachman, University of Massachusetts Medical School

Abstract

Platelet activation is assumed to occur in many patients with strokes of transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). Determination of this activity can now be measured by assaying the platelet-specific proteins, platelet factor 4 and beta-thromboglobulin. These proteins are platelet specific and are released during irreversible aggregation. The plasma level of these proteins was measured in patients with strokes and TIAs and both groups had significantly greater values than healthy control subjects. These markers of platelet activation may provide further understanding of the role of platelets in the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of cerebrovascular disease.