Endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) of Gram-negative bacteria is the important initiating agent of inflammation. LPS stimulates inflammatory cells, including blood platelets, to production of secondary mediators of inflammation. The uncontrolled development of inflammation is responsible for pathophysiological reactions; leads to sepsis and septic shock and even to death. Blood platelets play an important role not only in haemostasis but also in inflammation and in pathogenesis of septic shock.

Blood platelets, enucleate cells derived from megakaryocytes, play an essential role in haemo- stasis and thrombosis. They may be involved probably in platelet activation and programmed death. The experimental evidences discussed in this review indicate that during aging and activation platelets express apoptotic markers similar to those found in nucleated cells.