Endothelial Cells Heterogeneity

摘要

The vascular endothelium constitutes approximately 1% of body mass (1kg) and has a surface area of approximately 5000m (2). The endothelium is a multifunctional endocrine organ strategically placed between the vessel wall and the circulating blood, and has a key role in vascular homeostasis. The endothelium forms the inner cellular lining of blood vessels. It is now well established that endothelial cells are highly metabolically active, and play a critical role in many physiological processes, including the control of vasomotor tone, the trafficking of blood cells between blood and underlying tissue, the maintenance of blood fluidity, permeability, angiogenesis, and both innate and adaptive immunity. It is also recognized that the endothelium is involved in most if not all disease states, either as a primary determinant of pathophysiology or as a victim of collateral damage. This study highlights the molecular and the physiological aspects of endothelial cells heterogeneity and its clinical implications.