The relationship between the structure of a thrombus or a hemostatic plug and the mechanisms involved in its formation.

The observations which have been discussed indicate that in the formation of a platelet mass at least three stimuli are involved. The initial reaction of platelets with a surface stimulus can be interfered with by anti-inflammatory drugs. The second stage, that is the action of ADP, can be inhibited by a number of compounds which have vasodilator characteristics. The final stage involves blood coagulation in which the platelet mass itself may serve as a focus for its initiation or acceleration. Blood coagulation is important in thrombin generation. The thrombin influences the growth and size of the mass and is involved producing fibrin which is essential for stabilization of the platelet aggregate. These observations hold true for both thrombus formation and hemostatic plug formation from flowing blood. These findings may have important implications in regard to the development of new therapeutic approaches in the management of thrombosis and hemostasis.