Arteriolar structure and its implications for function in health and disease.

Abstract

Vascular remodeling is a general term describing any change in blood vessel structure caused by hemodynamic changes, such as flow and pressure, injury, or disease. It also encompasses development and vascularity. This review focuses on the implications of remodeling from both structure and function of isolated arteries and on how a remodeled vascular bed responds to vasoactive stimuli. Essential, genetic, experimental, and pulmonary hypertension, endothelial dysfunction in atheroma, vascular surgery, subarachnoid hemorrhage, congestive heart failure, coronary collateralization, ischemia, and pregnancy are among the examples discussed in this review. Research efforts should be directed toward..