Among the cells in the blood vascular system, platelets in mammals and thrombocytes in lower vertebrates are the source of crucial mediators in hemostatic functions. Although these cells have been known to be primarily involved in thrombosis and hemostasis, platelets and thrombocytes have been shown recently to have roles in inflammatory functions and the immune response in general. Thrombocytes/platelets are widely recognized contributors to inflammatory responses upon stimulation with various ...