Platelets in angiogenesis.

Platelets hold an important function as first line of response to seal wounds after vascular and tissue injury. However, they are much more than just a component of the haemostatic system. They are involved in tissue regeneration and play a role in different pathologic conditions such as atherosclerosis or tumour progression. Angiogenesis being involved in these processes, as well, may represent one of the (patho-) physiological mechanisms, which are modulated by platelets thereby affecting disease. In other diseases involving inflammation, the role of platelets for endothelial cells, which are the most important cell type in angiogenesis, is well established. Recent effort has now highlighted a potential role of platelets and platelet derived mediators for angiogenesis. This article reviews our current understanding of the role of platelets for angiogenesis and how this knowledge could affect future directions in research and therapy.