Morphological and Functional Remodeling of Vascular Endothelium in Cardiovascular Diseases

The vascular endothelium plays a vital role during embryogenesis and aging and is a cell monolayer that lines the blood vessels. The immune system recognizes the endothelium as its own. Therefore, an abnormality of the endothelium exposes the tissues to the immune system and provokes inflammation and vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis. Its secretory role allows it to release vasoconstrictors and vasorelaxants as well as cardio-modulatory factors that maintain the proper functioning of the circulatory system. The sealing of the monolayer provided by adhesion molecules plays an important role in cardiovascular physiology and pathology.

Automated summary

The vascular endothelium is crucial in embryogenesis and aging, and it lines the blood vessels as a cell monolayer. It is recognized by the immune system as part of the body, so any abnormality in the endothelium exposes tissues to the immune system, leading to inflammation and vascular diseases like atherosclerosis. The endothelium's secretory role allows it to release vasoconstrictors, vasorelaxants, and cardio-modulatory factors that maintain proper circulatory system functioning. Adhesion molecules play a significant role in cardiovascular physiology and pathology by providing a seal for the monolayer.