How to assess endothelial function in human blood vessels

J Hypertens. 1999 Aug;17(8):1047-58. doi: 10.1097/00004872-199917080-00001.

Abstract

This brief review discusses the ways, if and when available, to examine endothelium-dependent changes diameter in human blood vessels. It stresses the problems in ensuring proper matching between arteries (and veins) from different human sources. It briefly considers the evidence in vitro supporting the role of endothelium-derived nitric oxide, hyperpolarizing factor and contracting factors (including metabolites of arachidonic acid and endothelin). It emphasizes the difficulty in extrapolating observations obtained in isolated arteries (and veins) to the intact human circulation. The overall conclusion is that the interpretations derived from animal work apply to the human vasculature.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biological Factors / metabolism
  • Blood Vessels / cytology
  • Blood Vessels / physiology*
  • Endothelium, Vascular / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Nitric Oxide / metabolism
  • Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases / metabolism
  • Vasoconstriction
  • Vasodilation

Substances

  • Biological Factors
  • endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization factor
  • Nitric Oxide
  • Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases