Endothelial cells

Endothelial Cells are a type of cell that line the interior surface of blood vessels and lymphatic vessels, forming an interface between circulating blood or lymph in the lumen and the rest of the vessel wall. They are a critical component of the vascular system and play a key role in homeostasis, inflammation, blood clotting, and angiogenesis.

Function

Endothelial cells are involved in many aspects of vascular biology, including:

• Vasodilation and vasoconstriction: Endothelial cells produce substances that control vascular relaxation and contraction, and blood volume.
• Blood clotting: They produce anticoagulant and procoagulant substances that regulate blood clotting.
• Inflammation: Endothelial cells can be activated to express adhesion molecules that regulate cell trafficking during inflammation.
• Angiogenesis: They are involved in the formation of new blood vessels.

Types of Endothelial Cells

There are two main types of endothelial cells:

• Vascular endothelial cells: These line the entire circulatory system, from the heart to the smallest capillaries.
• Lymphatic endothelial cells: These line the lymphatic vessels and are involved in the regulation of the immune response.

Diseases Associated with Endothelial Cells

Dysfunction of endothelial cells is a hallmark of many diseases, including:

• Atherosclerosis: This is a disease in which plaque builds up inside your arteries, and it is associated with endothelial dysfunction.
• Diabetes': Endothelial dysfunction is a major factor in the development of diabetic vascular complications.
• Hypertension: High blood pressure can damage endothelial cells, leading to vascular dysfunction.

See Also

• Vascular system
• Blood clotting
• Inflammation
• Angiogenesis

References

Endothelial cells Resources
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