Role of the endothelium in the genesis of cardiovascular disease

Abstract

1. Endothelial cells release nitric oxide (NO) and the putative endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) in response to an increase in shear stress and receptor stimulation. 2. Tests of endothelial function have principally used acetylcholine (ACh)-mediated relaxation of precontracted isolated blood vessels or increases in forearm blood flow measured by venous occlusion plethysmography. Basal NO release is tested by a rise in resistance during infusion of the NO synthase inhibitor L-NMMA. Potential traps for investigators looking to evoke endothelial dysfunction following reduced ACh responses are discussed. 3. Endothelial dysfunction appears to occur in large but not small arteries..