Diversity in mechanisms of endothelium-dependent vasodilation in health and disease. Microcirculation 2013 Apr;20(3):239-47
Date
01/15/2013Pubmed ID
23311975Pubmed Central ID
PMC3625248DOI
10.1111/micc.12040Scopus ID
2-s2.0-84876078144 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 170 CitationsAbstract
Small arterioles (40-150 μm) contribute to the majority of vascular resistance within organs and tissues. Under resting conditions, the basal tone of these vessels is determined by a delicate balance between vasodilator and vasoconstrictor influences. Cardiovascular homeostasis and regional tissue perfusion is largely a function of the ability of these small blood vessels to constrict or dilate in response to the changing metabolic demands of specific tissues. The endothelial cell layer of these microvessels is a key modulator of vasodilation through the synthesis and release of vasoactive substances. Beyond their vasomotor properties, these compounds importantly modulate vascular cell proliferation, inflammation, and thrombosis. Thus, the balance between local regulation of vascular tone and vascular pathophysiology can vary depending upon which factors are released from the endothelium. This review will focus on the dynamic nature of the endothelial released dilator factors depending on species, anatomic site, and presence of disease, with a focus on the human coronary microcirculation. Knowledge how endothelial signaling changes with disease may provide insights into the early stages of developing vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis, or related vascular pathologies.
Author List
Durand MJ, Gutterman DDAuthors
Matt Durand PhD Vice Chair, Associate Professor in the Anesthesiology department at Medical College of WisconsinDavid Gutterman MD Emeritus Professor in the Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin
MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AnimalsArterioles
Atherosclerosis
Endothelium, Vascular
Humans
Vascular Resistance
Vasculitis
Vasodilation
