Clinical relevance of endothelial dysfunction in cardiovascular disorders.
The potential role of endothelial dysfunction, defined by an imbalance in the production of endothelium-derived vasodilator and constrictor factors is discussed. Evidence is presented that increased endothelin-1 production plays an important role in the clinical and morphological manifestations of pulmonary hypertension, particularly in primary disease. As well, the potential contribution of a relative decrease in nitric oxide production to inappropriately elevated pulmonary vascular resistance in patients with secondary causes of pulmonary hypertension, particularly those with congestive heart failure is discussed.
Stewart
D J
DJ
McGill Vascular Biology Group, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology; D016232:Endothelins / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000097:blood; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007118:Immunoassay; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000096:biosynthesis; D014661:Vasoconstriction; D014664:Vasodilation
D016232:Endothelins; D009569:Nitric Oxide