Reactive oxygen metabolites and arterial thrombosis

Arterial thrombus formation is the result of complex events which require the interaction of damaged vessel walls with blood cellular elements and coagulation factors, and in which several mediators may play a role. In this context, the role of 'classical' chemical mediators such as thrombin, thromboxane or serotonin in initiating and/or amplifying intravascular thrombus formation is well established. However, it is now being recognized that certain chemical species formed in the metabolism of oxygen may also be involved in the process of arterial thrombosis. This review will focus on recent evidence in this field.