The endothelium plays a primary role in the local control of vascular function and structure, mainly by the production and release of NO, a potent vasodilator that also inhibits all the mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, thus protecting the vessel wall against the development of atherosclerosis and thrombosis...
Keywords: circulation, endothelium, nitric oxide, oxidative stress, vascular reactivity
02/2006 | Biological Chemistry, Walter de Gruyter