Hemorheology and vascular endothelial cells.
The vascular endothelium is a biologically active monolayer of cells provided an interface between blood and tissues. Vascular endothelial cells (ECs) have two functional states, which are allowed by their different properties: (i) vaso regulating properties: ECs releases vasomotor components, as endothelin (vaso constriction), prostacyclin and nitrite oxide (vaso dilatation); (ii) antithrombotic and hemostatic properties; and (iii) anti-adhesion properties. The endothelium is normally antithrombotic and anti-adhesive to ensure blood fluidity. During many cardio-vascular diseases, these properties may be reversed. Thus, the ECs have a determinant role in hemodynamic control through these various metabolic activities. Otherwise, many studies have demonstrated that local blood flow conditions have a crucial role on the EC properties (mechanotransduction concept). The knowledge of the properties of ECs and the control of the phenomena which define their functions is a key element in the cardiovascular diseases understanding.
Angiohematology-Hemorheology, UMR CNRS 7563 (LEMTA), Faculté de Médicine, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France. stoltz@hemato.u-nancy.fr
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Stoltz
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Muller
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Wang
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Dumas
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Boisseau
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Legrand
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Labrador
D000818:Animals; D001790:Blood Physiological Phenomena; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000502:physiology*; D018056:Hemorheology; D006801:Humans