Endothelial function and atherosclerosis

Under normal conditions, the vascular endothelium exerts vasodilator, antit hrombotic, and growth-inhibiting effects on the vessel wall. In the setting of atherosclerosis, endothelial dysfunction contributes to vasoconstrictio n, thrombosis, and growth of vascular smooth muscle. This article reviews t he important contributors to endothelial function both in health and in the diseased state of atherosclerosis. Therapeutic options for improvement of endothelial function will also be summarized. Coronary Artery Dis 10:241-25 6 (C) 1999 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.