How Do Endothelial Cells Contribute to Vascular Function?
Endothelial cells line the interior surface of blood vessels and perform several critical functions: - Regulating vascular tone through the production of vasodilators (e.g., nitric oxide) and vasoconstrictors (e.g., endothelin). - Controlling permeability and selective transport of substances across the vessel wall. - Mediating immune responses by expressing adhesion molecules that recruit leukocytes to sites of inflammation. - Facilitating blood clotting and anti-clotting mechanisms through the production of various factors.
