Affiliations: Angiohematology‐Hemorheology, UMR CNRS 7563 (LEMTA), Faculté de Médecine, 54500 Vandoeuvre‐lès‐Nancy, France | Hematology, Faculté de Médecine, 33000 Bordeaux, France
Note: [] Correspondence to: Pr. J.F. Stoltz, Laboratoire d’Angiohématologie‐Hémorhéologie, UMR CNRS 7563 (LEMTA), Faculté de Médecine, 54500 Vandoeuvre‐lès‐Nancy, France. Tel.: +33 (0)3 83 59 26 41; E‐mail: stoltz@ hemato.u‐nancy.fr.
Abstract: The vascular endothelium is a biologically active monolayer of cells provided an interface between blood and tissues. Vascular endothelial cells (ECs) have two functional states, which are allowed by their different properties: (i) vaso regulating properties: ECs releases vasomotor components, as endothelin (vaso constriction), prostacyclin and nitrite oxide (vaso dilatation); (ii) antithrombotic and hemostatic properties; and (iii) anti‐adhesion properties. The endothelium is normally anti‐thrombotic and anti‐adhesive to ensure blood fluidity. During many cardio‐vascular diseases, these properties may be reversed. Thus, the ECs have a determinant role in hemodynamic control through these various metabolic activities. Otherwise, many studies have demonstrated that local blood flow conditions have a crucial role on the EC properties (mechanotransduction concept). The knowledge of the properties of ECs and the control of the phenomena which define their functions is a key element in the cardiovascular diseases understanding.
