Interactions of monocytes and platelets: implication for life.

Monocytes interact and cross-talk with platelets in many settings including inflammation, hemostasis, or vascular disorders. These interactions are important for the regulation of life span of both. During inflammatory diseases, there is a rapid recruitment of monocytes and platelets to the site of inflammation and endothelial injury where they act side-by-side. Adherence between monocytes/macrophages (Mphi) and platelets occur in the vessel wall and atherosclerotic plaque, but it is also shown in the blood stream where it has been called platelet satellitism. This phenomenon has been attributed to thrombotic disorders such as stroke. Furthermore, we discovered consequences for leukocyte apoptosis after the interaction with platelets. Herein, we reviewed the complex mechanism and interactions regulating the life span of both types of blood cells. We also provide a distinct focus on apoptosis of platelets and Mphi.