Endothelium

constrictive response of arterioles to vasoconstrictors, and is a main cause is septic shock (Levy et al., 2010). Sepsis-induced vasoplegia is a component of a generalized circulatory dysfunction that involves the macro- and microcirculation, heart, and endothelium, as an outcome of a systemic inflammatory response accumulated by the host in response to invading microorganisms (Hollenberg, 2009). Various evidences accumulated over the past 2 decades has suggested that enhanced formation of free…

form a barrier, and can cause serious problems in the body, like other diseases and disorders. The results are possibly deadly. There is a layer on the inside of every vein that keeps it smooth called endothelium. It allows blood to flow quickly and easily throughout the body. If the endothelium is torn or hurt, it’ll create a spot where calcium and fat can build up. Over time, the plaque will become so much that the flow will be disrupted. Blood clots can form and block passageways. This can…

covalent inactive complex [133]. These interactions are enhanced by a heparin-like molecule that is expressed at the surface of intact endothelial cells, ensuring that this mechanism is operative at all locations in the vascular tree except where endothelium is denuded at the site of vascular injury. These endothelial cell surface proteoglycans are referred to as “heparin-like” because they are the physiologic equivalent of the pharmacologic agent heparin. Heparin-like molecules on the…

The corneal endothelium is metabolically highly active, and accordingly, endowed with a large number of mitochondria (**). Recent studies have claimed mitochondrial dysfunction in response to deliberate oxidative stress and in FECD (**). Although mitochondrial damage is correlated to cell death, its effects could be more subtle when the damage to the organelle is not severe. Specifically, when mitochondrial damage is not severe, the cellular functions could be impacted by ATP depletion. The…

Hypertension is a heterogeneous disorder that may result either from a specific cause (secondary hypertension) or from an underlying pathophysiologic mechanism of unknown etiology (primary or essential hypertension). Secondary hypertension accounts for fewer than 10% of cases, and most of these are caused by chronic kidney disease or renovascular disease. Other conditions causing secondary hypertension include pheochromocytoma, Cushing’s syndrome, hyperthyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, primary…

Explain how atherosclerotic plaque is formed. Atherosclerosis is a disease of the large and intermediate sized arteries, where fatty lesions called atheromatous plaques develop on the inside surfaces of arterial walls. It is characterised by endothelial dysfunction, vascular inflammation and an accumulation of lipids, calcium, cholesterol, and cellular debris within the intima wall - making it a multifactorial disease that usually develops many years before manifestation of clinical symptoms.…

The cardiovascular system is an integral system responsible for maintaining homeostasis in the body. It is composed of the muscular pumping organ, the heart, and a closed system of vessels called arteries, veins, and capillaries. “A baby 's heart begins to develop at conception, but is completely formed by eight weeks into the pregnancy” (Stanford Children’s Health). As the heart reaches structural and functional maturation, it will involuntarily pump blood to the blood vessels to nourish cells…

Using infliximab to treat Crohn’s disease Introduction Crohn’s disease is a type of IBD that causes inflammation in any part gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus. In response to this inflammation, the body’s immune system attacks the GI tract (Dessein, 2008). The progression of this chronic inflammatory disease is brought about by the action of several cellular processes and pro-inflammatory mediators (Poggioli, 2007). Because there is no single factor that can be targeted to…

molecules, and increased thrombosis risk.8 This occurs when there is a lack of response of certain chemical messengers produced by the endothelium to acetylcholine; the most notable change is a diminished nitric oxide vasodilatory response.5 As a powerful vasodilator and inhibitor of platelet adhesion, nitric oxide has the important function of protecting the endothelium.5,8 Following endothelial dysfunction is atherosclerosis: a combination of cholesterol accumulation, inflammation, and…

The primary stage of healing is called vasoconstriction. This is an immediate reflex of the smooth muscle (tunica media) in the vessel contracting, reducing the diameter of the lumen and therefore diminishing blood loss through Rosemary’s damaged endothelium cells (MediceneNet, 2012). The site of damage in the vessel will have exposed collagen. Thrombocytes adhere to this and begin the process of degranulation, where they release cytoplasmic granules such as serotonin, a vasoconstrictor.…