Direct effects of estrogen on the vessel wall

The understanding of the biological effects of estrogen on the vessel wall has improved dramatically since the discovery of estrogen receptors (ERs). Most, but not all estrogen-mediated effects in blood vessels are thought to be mediated by ERs. Two major ER subclasses have been characterized so far : the ER alpha and the more recently described ER beta. This review will pr imarily focus on a new perspective that highlights ERs as essential mediato rs of the vascular effects of estrogen. In view of the rising research inte rest in this area, it can be also expected that tissue- and ER subclass-sel ective agonists and antagonists will be developed over the next few years, thus providing invaluable tools for pharmacological and clinical applicatio ns. (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons.