Overview of clinical trials with glycoprotein IIb-IIIa receptor antagonists in the prevention and management of coronary

Abstract
Platelet aggregation is mediated by the glycoprotein IIb-IIIa receptor, a member of the integrin superfamily of membranebound adhesion molecules. In the activated platelet, binding to the major adhesive proteins, fibrinogen and von Willebrand, occurs due to a conformational change of the glycoprotein IIb-IIIa receptor. Glycoprotein IIb-IIIa receptor antagonists effectively block the binding of these adhesive proteins and thus inhibit platelet aggregation. Large-scale clinical trials have demonstrated the benefits of these agents in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary angioplasty and with acute coronary syndromes compared to conventional antiplatelet therapy. Furthermore, trials are in progress in patients with acute myocardial infarction. The beneficial effects of these agents was first demonstrated with abciximab, a monoclonal antibody to the glycoprotein IIb-IIIa receptor, in patients at risk of coronary arterial thrombosis, and was further illustrated in trials with other IIb-IIIa receptor blocki...

This publication has 34 references indexed in Scilit: