Platelets and glomerulonephritis.

There is evidence derived from both experimental studies and from observation of human nephritis that platelets are important in the glomerular injury of chronic soluble-complex disease. It is not yet clear if platelets are involved in the events initiating endothelial damage, in perpetuating and amplifying injury, or both. Antiplatelet agents appear to have a role in the treatment of chronic forms of glomerulonephritis; but more knowledge of platelet involvement in nephritis and more readily available tests for platelet involvement are necessary before this suggestion can be tested intelligently.