The Endothelium Modulator of Cardiovascular Function

First published in 1990: The Endothelium: Modulator of Cardiovascular Function takes a comprehensive look at the role of the endothelium in cardiovascular control in health and disease. Experts offer detailed reviews on specific topics that address these roles of the endothelium: diffusion barrier, blood-brain barrier, regulator of capillary permeability, metabolic function (uptake and enzymatic destruction), conversion of vasoactive products, production of prostanoids, production and release of endothelium-derived relaxing factors, production of endothelium-derived contracting factors, production of coagulation factors, production of fibrinolytic factors, reticulo-endothelial function, role in atherosclerosis, and changes in function with aging and disease. This overview provides the reader with an update on the role of one of the most fascinating cells in cardiovascular biology. It focuses on the multiple functions of those cells and offers the first attempt to draw a parallel between these functions. Anyone studying the fields of physiology and pharmacology will benefit from this "must have" reference resource.

1. Introduction 2. Methods to Study Endothelium-Dependent Responses 3. Endothelium-Derived Relaxing Factor 4. Other Relaxing Substances Released by the Endothelium 5. Production and Contracting Agents 6. Local Regulation of Endothelium-Dependent Responses 7. Neurohumoral Regulation 8. Heterogeneity and Chronic Modulation 9. Disease 10. Therapeutic Implications 11. References

Thomas F. Luscher, M.D., is Associate Consultant in Cardiology and Assistant Professor at the Department of Medicine and head of the Laboratory of Vascular Research at the Department of the University Hospital, Basel. Paul Michel Vanhouette, M.D., Ph.D., is the Director of the Center for Experimental Therapeutics at the Department of Medicine of Baylor College, in Houston.