Are platelets a 'forgotten' source of sepsis-induced myocardial depressing factor(s)?

Abstract

The mechanism of sepsis-induced cardiac failure was initially thought to be related to the presence of 'myocardial depressant' substances that directly alter heart function. Exosomes released by platelets and identified in the plasma are suggested to, at least partially, explain myocardial depression in sepsis. This hypothesis needs to be evaluated by clinical studies.