Is extravasation a Fas-regulated process?

The monolayer of endothelial cells that coats the luminal surface of the ve ssel wall has numerous physiological functions, including the prevention of coagulation, control of vascular permeability, maintenance of Vascular ton e and regulation of leukocyte extravasation, Recently, we detected function al Fas ligand (FasL) expression on the endothelial lining of blood vessels. Fast induces apoptotic cell death in the multitude of cell types that expr ess its receptor, Fas, Here, we review the function of vascular endothelium in controlling leukocyte extravasation, and illustrate how the regulation of endothelial Fast expression might contribute to this process. We also de scribe the role of leukocyte extravasation in angiogenesis and atherosclero sis, and we suggest that Fast gene transfer might provide a means of treati ng diseases of the proliferative Vessel wall, particularly those that resul t from the detrimental infiltration of inflammatory cells.