Complement-endothelial cell interactions: pathophysiological implications

The function of the endothelial cells can be modulated by humoral factors p resent in the circulation and in the extravascular fluid, including protein s of the complement system. This review examines the multiple interactions between the complement system and the endothelial cells and their functiona l consequences on inflammation, coagulation and regulation of vascular tone . The implications of these interactions in the induction and progression o f the vascular lesions occurring in atherosclerosis, ischemia/reperfusion a nd xenotransplantation and the possible therapeutic approaches in terms of complement regulation are also discussed. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. Al l rights reserved.