[The adenylate cyclase system of human platelets]

This review summarizes current knowledge on the adenylate cyclase system of human platelets. In the first part, the main molecular entities of this system are described, emphasis being layed on coupling proteins (Ns, Ni) which transduce the hormonal message from receptors to the catalytic unit. The mechanisms by which regulation of adenylate cyclase occurs is discussed and a comprehensive model is proposed. In the second part, are reviewed the hormonal and non hormonal regulators of the adenylate cyclase system. The role of the platelet adenylate cyclase system is discussed in relation to pathology and the action of certain drugs on platelet activity.