[Vascular endothelium: target organ of cardiovascular pathologies]

The endothelium plays an essential role in regulation of vascular tone. It has vasodilator, antiaggregating, anti-thrombotic and anti-inflammatory properties. In the case of endothelial dysfunction (induced by hypercholesterolaemia, hypertension and/or diabetes), all of these properties are reversed; it becomes thrombogenic, it secretes vasoconstrictor substances promoting platelet aggregation and penetration of white blood cells into the vessel wall. This endothelial dysfunction then allows the development of the atheromatous lesion. The therapeutic approach must be based on restoration of the normal physiological properties of the endothelium.