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Stan Heptinstall

Emeritus Professor of Thrombosis and Haemostasis, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences

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Expertise Summary

I am a scientist who has just retired as Head of Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences at the University of Nottingham. My colleagues and I continue to perform research to identify how blood cells, especially platelets, are involved in the control of bleeding (haemostasis) and in forming blood clots which result in heart attacks, strokes and similar negative outcomes (thrombosis). Our research involves finding means through which thrombosis can be avoided.

I am a director of a University of Nottingham spin-out company Platelet Solutions Ltd.

A spotlight article in the American Heart Association's Journal 'Circulation' provides an account of my career up to June 2010.

Research Summary

My main interest is in cellular and molecular studies of the contribution of blood cells, especially platelets, to haemostasis and thrombosis, and the development and testing of appropriate… read more

Recent Publications

Current Research

My main interest is in cellular and molecular studies of the contribution of blood cells, especially platelets, to haemostasis and thrombosis, and the development and testing of appropriate pharmacological or dietary interventions. In vitro and ex vivo investigations of platelet and leucocyte function in man are performed using a wide range of experimental approaches including aggregometry, HPLC and flow cytometry. There is a particular interest in development of bespoke tests of platelet function.

Current projects include:

  • Studies on EP receptors and platelet function
  • Studies on P2Y receptors and platelet function
  • Studies on platelet/leucocyte interactions and adenine nucleotide metabolism
  • Studies on platelet function in patients with acute coronary syndromes
  • Studies on platelet function in patients with stroke
  • Development of simple-to-use tests of platelet function for use in drug monitoring (via Platelet Solutions Ltd)

My colleagues and I work in partnership with industry and particularly the pharmaceutical industry to identify and test new drugs that might act as anti-thrombotic drugs. We have identified a variety of test systems for evaluating the function of platelets and other blood cells before and during drug administration. Recently our emphasis has been on identifying simple-to-use means of studying platelet function for use in any clinical setting, as a means of monitoring the success of drug therapy, and we have applied for UK patents related to this. We intend to market these simple-to-use bespoke tests of platelet function via Platelet Solutions Ltd.

We are happy to be contacted to discuss any possible future collaborations through which we might assist in providing better healthcare for patients with cardiovascular disease.

School of Clinical Sciences

D Floor, East Block
Queen's Medical Centre
Nottingham, NG7 2UH

telephone: +44 (0) 115 823 0695
fax: +44 (0) 115 823 0704
email: scs-enquiries@nottingham.ac.uk