title: Normal endothelial cell function.
abstract: Endothelial cell functions, primarily involving regulated mediator secretion or altered surface protein expression, are vital for normal homeostasis. Endothelial cells secrete the potent vasodilator and anti-platelet agent prostacyclin and nitric oxide, and also the potent vasoconstrictor peptide endothelin-1; they control the selective adhesion and emigration of leukocytes from the bloodstream; and they are the source of circulating von Willebrand factor, tissue plasminogen activator and type 1 plasminogen activator inhibitor. The properties of healthy endothelium ensure that an antithrombotic and anticoagulant balance is maintained in the bloodstream, and provide a tonic vasodilator action that controls blood flow and pressure on a minute-to-minute basis. Disturbances of normal endothelial function are strongly implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and autoimmune vasculitic diseases including lupus.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Cardiovascular Biology & Medicine, King's College London, Guy's Campus, UK.
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Pearson
mesh_terms: D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D001777:Blood Coagulation; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000502:physiology; D002448:Cell Adhesion; D002465:Cell Movement; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology*; D005342:Fibrinolysis; D006706:Homeostasis; D006801:Humans; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000502:physiology; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D014661:Vasoconstriction / Q000502:physiology