This study was performed to compare the effects of antiplatelet regimens on early inflammation and cardiac marker release after elective stenting.Few data exist regarding the comparative effects of specific antiplatelet regimens on early inflammation marker release after stenting.In a 2 x 2 factorial randomized investigation, patients undergoing stenting were treated with either clopidogrel alone (300 mg or 600 mg; n = 60) or clopidogrel with eptifibatide (n = 60). Platelet aggregation (5 and 20 muM adenosine diphosphate [ADP]), ADP-stimulated expression of active glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa, and platelet-bound P-selectin, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, C-reactive protein (CRP), and cardiac markers were measured.Compared with a strategy of clopidogrel alone, clopidogrel + eptifibatide reduced the release of cardiac markers. A marked reduction in platelet aggregation and active GP IIb/IIIa expression (p < or = 0.001) with clopidogrel + eptifibatide was associated with a decrease in CRP and TNF-alpha release (p < or = 0.001).A strategy of clopidogrel with GP IIb/IIIa blockade resulted in superior inhibition of inflammation and cardiac marker release, which was accompanied by superior platelet inhibition immediately after percutaneous coronary intervention compared with a strategy of clopidogrel alone. The mechanistic and clinical implications of attenuated periprocedural inflammation and myocardial necrosis with a strategy of GP IIb/IIIa inhibition warrant further investigation.