Advancing the battle against acute ischemic syndromes: a focus on the GP IIb-IIIa inhibitors.

Abstract

Platelet aggregation and thrombus formation, resulting from disruption of a coronary artery plaque, play a critical role in the pathology of acute coronary syndromes. Currently, aspirin and heparin are administered to decrease platelet aggregation. The discovery of the platelet integrin receptor alpha(IIb)beta3, also known as the platelet glycoprotein (GP) IIb-IIIa receptor, is a breakthrough in antiplatelet therapy. The GP IIb-IIIa receptor is responsible for the crucial binding of fibrinogen to platelets, leading to cross-links between platelets and further platelet aggregation. Since the introduction of abciximab, the first GP IIb-IIIa-receptor antagonist, several other nonantibody agents have been studied for use in percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and also in stent placement, treatment of unstable angina, and myocardial infarction.