Cardiovascular Biology: Endothelial Cell in Health and Hypertension: Volume 1

This volume has a focus on Vascular Endothelium, NO and Hypertension and is a continuum of the volumes on Mechanobiology of Cartilage and Chondrocyte. Indeed, vascular endothelial plays a significant role in regulating blood flow, and endothelial cells (EC) have highly active metabolic functions. They generate vasoactive mediators like prostacyclin, nitric oxide (NO) and endothelin (ET–1). Endothelial cells also synthesize various proteins like von Willebrand's factor, growth factors, and tissue plasminogen activators. They have also enzymes that inactivate bradykinin and convert angiotensin I into angiotension II (a vasopressor agent). In other respects it is now well-known that mechanical forces and stretch can modulate EC functions by activating mechano-sensors, signalling pathways, genes and protein expressions. This mechanical approach leads to a better knowledge of vascular remodelling observed in many pathologies. These different aspects are all covered in this volume.