CYTOKINES REGULATE PROLIFERATION AND CYTOSKELETAL ORGANIZATION OF VASCULAR SMOOTH-MUSCLE CELLS

The vasculature is an important target for inflammatory reactions, whi ch may evolve into subsequent fibrosis. In large vessels, fibrotic les ions develop after invasive manipulations such as angioplasty. This re sults in stenotic arteries and represents a major clinical problem in cardiology. Local production of cytokines and growth factors both by v ascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells and by blood-borne, immuno competent cells are important regulators of these events. The present review summarizes experimental studies on the role of immune-derived c ytokines in vascular cell biology and pathology.