Work

Diversity in Mechanisms of Endothelium‐Dependent Vasodilation in Health and Disease

Year: 2013

Type: review

Abstract: Small arterioles (40-150 μm) contribute to the majority of vascular resistance within organs and tissues. Under resting conditions, the basal tone of these vessels is determined by a delicate balance between vasodilator and vasoconstrictor influences. Cardiovascular homeostasis and regional tissue perfusion is largely a function of the ability of these small blood vessels to constrict or dilate in response to the changing metabolic demands of specific tissues. The endothelial cell layer of these microvessels is a key modulator of vasodilation through the synthesis and release of vasoactive substances. Beyond their vasomotor properties, these compounds importantly modulate vascular cell proliferation, inflammation, and thrombosis. Thus, the balance between local regulation of vascular tone and vascular pathophysiology can vary depending upon which factors are released from the endothelium. This review will focus on the dynamic nature of the endothelial released dilator factors depending on species, anatomic site, and presence of disease, with a focus on the human coronary microcirculation. Knowledge how endothelial signaling changes with disease may provide insights into the early stages of developing vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis, or related vascular pathologies.

Source: Microcirculation

DOI: 10.1111/micc.12040

Authors: Matthew J. Durand, David D. Gutterman

Institution: Medical College of Wisconsin

Language: English

Topic: Nitric Oxide and Endothelin Effects

Subfield: Physiology (medical)

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: Medical College of Wisconsin, National Institutes of Health, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus