[Methods for exploring arteries in humans: application to the study of estrogens]

In recent years, two concepts--endothelial dysfunction and arterial remodelling--have emerged as keys to the understanding of the pathophysiology of the arterial system. The clinical investigation of endothelial dysfunction and arterial remodelling became a requisite for understanding the effects of any drug acting on the arterial wall, such as oestrogens during oestrogen replacement therapy. In this paper, we describe the various non-invasive methods for studying the geometry and the function of large and small arteries. Recent technological and methodological improvements allow this investigation to be carried out with satisfactory repeatability, and to be applied to clinical pharmacology. We also discuss the few studies which have applied these methods to the study of the effect of oestrogens on the arterial system and we suggest a physiological schema for an integrative mechanism of action.