Platelet inhibition limits TGF-beta overexpression and matrix expansion after induction of anti-thy1 glomerulonephritis.

Background: Although a role of platelets is well established in atherosclerosis, only little is known about their contribution to pathologic renal matrix expansion. The present study analyzes the effect of the platelet inhibitor clopidogrel on the early injury and subsequent repair phase of experimental anti-thy1 glomerulonephritis.

Methods: In male Sprague-Dawley rats, acute anti-thy1 glomerulonephritis was induced by intravenous injection of OX-7 antibody.