Endothelial Dysfunction: Does It Matter? Is It Reversible?

Until recently, the endothelium was regarded as a relatively inert cell layer. However, over the past 20 years, research has revealed an extraordinary array of endothelial functions, including control over coagulation, fibrinolysis, arterial tone and vascular growth. Importantly, endothelial dysfunc...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of the American College of Cardiology 1997-08, Vol.30 (2), p.325-333
Main Author: Celermajer, David S
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Atherosclerosis (general aspects, experimental research)
Biological and medical sciences
Blood and lymphatic vessels
Blood Coagulation - physiology
Cardiology. Vascular system
Coronary Artery Disease - physiopathology
Endothelium, Vascular - physiology
Humans
Medical sciences
Muscle, Smooth, Vascular - physiology
Nitric Oxide - physiology
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Summary:Until recently, the endothelium was regarded as a relatively inert cell layer. However, over the past 20 years, research has revealed an extraordinary array of endothelial functions, including control over coagulation, fibrinolysis, arterial tone and vascular growth. Importantly, endothelial dysfunction has been implicated as a key event in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, coronary vasoconstriction and, probably, myocardial ischemia. The recent demonstration that endothelial dysfunction may be reversible raises the possibility of slowing the progression of atherosclerosis or modifying arterial function, or both, to decrease the risk of acute cardiovascular events.
ISSN:0735-1097
1558-3597
DOI:10.1016/S0735-1097(97)00189-7