Interactions of platelets and endothelial cells with erythrocytes and leukocytes in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.

In both normal and abnormal vascular biology, platelet-leukocyte-RBC-EC adhesive and functional interactions appear to play a significant role. The clinical hallmarks of the TTP/HUS syndromes, including prominent platelet aggregation and thrombi without prominent soluble coagulation system activation along with microangiopathic hemolysis, suggest that such interactions may help to bring a common theme of explanation to this disorder. However, a final unifying physiological pathway remains elusive.