ESTROGEN-RECEPTORS AND CARDIOVASCULAR-DISEASE

1. Animal and human studies indicate that female sex hormones are prot ective against the development of coronary atherosclerosis. 2. Experim ents on vascular smooth muscle cells suggest a direct effect of oestro gen on vascular tissue. Although oestrogen receptors (ER) in vascular tissues and an association between ER stimulation and physiological ef fects have been demonstrated, the cellular mechanisms underlying the e ffects of oestrogen on the arterial wall remain to be defined. 3. Eluc idation of the cellular mechanism underlying the effects of oestrogen on vascular smooth muscle will provide insights into coronary atherosc lerosis and will provide an opportunity to apply the protective effect s of oestrogen to women in older age groups and to the male population .