Abstract: A method is provided for measuring inhibition of platelet reactivity in an individual treated with a drug-eluting stent (DES). First, a blood sample is obtained from an individual treated with a DES and a P2Y12 antagonist. The blood sample is then mixed with particles comprising an attached GPIIb/IIIa receptor ligand, adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and prostaglandin E1 (PGE1). The mixture is incubated under conditions suitable for agglutinating particles, and platelet-mediated agglutination is assessed in the mixture. The absence or reduction of agglutination indicates that the individual treated with a DES has reduced platelet reactivity. Also provided is a kit for measuring inhibition of platelet aggregation by a P2Y12 receptor antagonist that includes a GPIIb/IIIa receptor ligand immobilized on a particle, adenosine diphosphate (ADP), prostaglandin E1 (PGE1), an anticoagulant, and a buffer to maintain the anticoagulated blood in a condition suitable for platelet aggregation.

Abstract: A method is provided for measuring inhibition of platelet reactivity in an individual treated with a drug-eluting stent (DES). First, a blood sample is obtained from an individual treated with a DES and a P2Y12 antagonist. The blood sample is then mixed with particles comprising an attached GPIIb/IIIa receptor ligand, adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and prostaglandin E1 (PGE1). The mixture is incubated under conditions suitable for agglutinating particles, and platelet-mediated agglutination is assessed in the mixture. The absence or reduction of agglutination indicates that the individual treated with a DES has reduced platelet reactivity. Also provided is a kit for measuring inhibition of platelet aggregation by a P2Y12 receptor antagonist that includes a GPIIb/IIIa receptor ligand immobilized on a particle, adenosine diphosphate (ADP), prostaglandin E1 (PGE1), an anticoagulant, and a buffer to maintain the anticoagulated blood in a condition suitable for platelet aggregation.

Abstract: A method is providing for measuring platelet reactivity of a PCI patient that has a (DES). A blood sample is obtained from the patient. The blood sample is mixed in combination with 1) an anticoagulant; 2) sufficient buffer to maintain the pH and salt concentration of the anticoagulated blood within a range suitable for platelet aggregation; 3) a platelet GPIIb/IIIa receptor ligand immobilized on a solid surface; 4) one or more agents to enhance a signal transduction pathway and 5) a receptor activator. The combination is incubated under conditions for agglutinating particles. Platelet-mediated agglutination is assessed in the mixture. The absence of agglutination indicates that the patient has reduced ability to form platelet thrombi.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of treating sickle cell disease comprising reducing, in a subject in need of such treatment, the adherence between sickle RBCs and leukocytes. It is based, at least in part, on the discovery that leukocytes play a direct role in the initiation of venular occlusion. The present invention further provides for methods for identifying agents which decrease SS-RBC/leukocyte adherence and for animal models which may be used to further elucidate the mechanism of vaso-occlusion in sickle cell crises.

Abstract: A method is provided of determining whether an individual has reduced ability to form platelet thrombi due to inhibition of platelet activation initiation, signal transduction and/or GPIIb/IIIa blockade. A blood sample is obtained from the individual being assessed. The blood sample is mixed in combination with 1) an anticoagulant; 2) sufficient buffer to maintain the pH and salt concentration of the anticoagulated blood within a range suitable for platelet aggregation; 3) a platelet GPIIb/IIIa receptor ligand immobilized on a solid surface; 4) one or more agents to enhance a signal transduction pathway and 5) a receptor activator. The combination is incubated under conditions for agglutinating particles. Platelet-mediated agglutination is assessed in the agitated mixture. The absence of agglutination indicates that the individual has a reduced ability to form platelet thrombi.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for inhibiting angiogenesis and thus treating inflammatory diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, diabetic retinopathy, psoriasis, and macular degeneration), inhibiting and preventing tumor growth and preventing metastases in a mammal comprising administering to the mammal an effective amount of a monoclonal antibody which is an antagonist of the integrins, GPIIb/IIIa (&agr;IIb&bgr;3) and &agr;v&bgr;3.

Abstract: The present invention is an assay for determining glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor blockade in whole blood. Agglutinization of small polymeric beads coated with a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa ligand such as fibrinogen results when the beads are contacted with whole blood containing platelets with glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptors that are not blocked. Failure to agglutinate indicates that blockade of the GPIIb/IIIa receptors has been achieved. In a preferred embodiment, the addition of a thrombin receptor activator results in an assay that is rapid and convenient enough to be performed at bedside and that results in agglutination of the small polymeric beads within a convenient, known period of time if the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptors are not blocked.