Endothelial cell functions. Relationship to atherogenesis. - GreenMedInfo Summary
Endothelial cell functions. Relationship to atherogenesis.
Basic Res Cardiol. 1999 Oct ;94(5):295-314. PMID: 10543305
Department of Surgery, University of Kentucky Medical Center, Lexington 40536, USA. [email protected]
The vascular endothelium plays a critical role in the preservation of normal vessel wall structure and function. In particular, endothelial cells control vascular permeability, vessel tone, coagulation, fibrinolysis, and inflammatory responses. These functions are accomplished by production of a variety of biologically active substances. However, endothelial cell-mediated reactions may also lead to the development of pathological stages within the vessel wall. The current review is focused on endothelial cell metabolism in relationship to the development of atherosclerosis.