The endothelium in intensive care.
This article reviews the major role that the vascular endothelium plays in pathophysiological processes related to metabolism, vascular function, and blood coagulation. Normally an antithrombotic surface, inflammation activates endothelium to become a prothrombotic and pro-inflammatory interface that is critically involved in multi-organ failure in patients with severe systemic diseases including sepsis. Improving endothelial functions in sepsis is a major therapeutic challenge.
Wiel
Eric
E
Prehospital Emergency Department, Centre Hospitalier Universtaire de Lille, Avenue Oscar Lambret, F-59037 Lille, France.
Vallet
Benoît
B
ten Cate
Hugo
H
D001779:Blood Coagulation Factors / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000293:injuries / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D006706:Homeostasis / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D009102:Multiple Organ Failure / Q000209:etiology; D018805:Sepsis / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism
D001779:Blood Coagulation Factors