Endothelial cell dynamics and complexity theory.
OBJECTIVE
To apply complexity theory to understanding endothelial cell function in health and disease.


METHODS
Published research and review articles in the English language related to complexity theory and endothelial cell biology.


METHODS
The results of published studies have been used to generate a hypothesis of nonlinear dynamics in endothelial cell biology.


CONCLUSIONS
The endothelium displays nonlinear complexity. I propose a model in which healthy endothelium retains a broad range of responses and is therefore highly active, whereas dysfunctional endothelium becomes locked into a narrow range of responses, approaching a single steady state and eventual quiescence. These concepts lay a foundation for understanding the pathophysiology of endothelial cell dysfunction in the multiple organ dysfunction syndrome.
Aird
William C
WC
Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA. waird@caregroup.harvard.edu
D001777:Blood Coagulation / Q000502:physiology; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008967:Molecular Biology; D009102:Multiple Organ Failure / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy