Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 21, 2026

Assessment of Vascular Tone Responsiveness using Isolated Mesenteric Arteries with a Focus on Modulation by Perivascular Adipose Tissues
08:41

Assessment of Vascular Tone Responsiveness using Isolated Mesenteric Arteries with a Focus on Modulation by Perivascular Adipose Tissues

Published on: June 3, 2019

Contribution of vasoconstriction to the origin of atherosclerosis: a conceptual study

William H Gutstein1, Cristian A Pérez

  • 1New York Medical College, Department of Pathology, Valhalla, New York, USA. William.Gutstein@mssm.edu

Trends in Cardiovascular Medicine
|November 16, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Vasoconstriction (VC), a factor causing endothelial injury (EI) and dysfunction (ED), plays a key role in atherosclerosis development. Targeting VC pathways may offer novel therapeutic strategies against this disease.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Research
  • Vascular Biology
  • Atherosclerosis Pathogenesis

Background:

  • Endothelial injury (EI) and dysfunction (ED) are central to atherosclerosis onset.
  • Vasoconstriction (VC) is an underappreciated cause of EI/ED.
  • VC is linked to proatherogenic stimuli and opposed by vasodilatory effects.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of vasoconstriction (VC) in endothelial injury (EI) and dysfunction (ED).
  • To explore the association between VC and atherosclerosis development.
  • To highlight novel therapeutic strategies targeting VC.

Main Methods:

  • Conceptual review of existing research.
  • Analysis of the relationship between VC, EI/ED, and atherosclerosis.
  • Discussion of molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets of VC.

Main Results:

  • Vasoconstriction (VC) can directly cause endothelial injury (EI) and dysfunction (ED).
  • VC is closely associated with known proatherogenic stimuli.
  • Vasodilatory effects of antiatherogenic compounds support the link between VC and atherosclerosis.

Conclusions:

  • Vasoconstriction (VC) is a significant contributor to endothelial damage and atherosclerosis.
  • Understanding the molecular basis of VC reveals potential therapeutic targets.
  • Inhibitors of VC may offer novel strategies for preventing atherosclerotic lesion formation.

More Related Videos

Optical Coherence Tomography Based Biomechanical Fluid-Structure Interaction Analysis of Coronary Atherosclerosis Progression13:07

Optical Coherence Tomography Based Biomechanical Fluid-Structure Interaction Analysis of Coronary Atherosclerosis Progression

Published on: January 15, 2022

Quantitative Analysis and Characterization of Atherosclerotic Lesions in the Murine Aortic Sinus06:43

Quantitative Analysis and Characterization of Atherosclerotic Lesions in the Murine Aortic Sinus

Published on: December 7, 2013

Related Concept Videos

Atherosclerosis I: Introduction01:30

Atherosclerosis I: Introduction

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder characterized by the buildup of plaques on the arterial inner wall, causing them to narrow and harden over time. These plaques comprise lipids, calcium, blood components, carbohydrates, and fibrous tissue. The process primarily affects the intima of large and medium-sized arteries, reducing blood flow in any artery.Etiology and risk factorsThe cause of atherosclerosis is multifactorial, involving a complex interplay among endothelial injury, lipid...
Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder that leads to the thickening and narrowing of arterial walls due to plaque buildup. This condition can cause various symptoms depending on the arteries affected:Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): This condition affects the coronary arteries and may lead to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath (dyspnea), heart attacks, and other heart disease symptoms.Cerebrovascular Disease: This affects blood flow to the brain, causing transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)...
Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology01:26

Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) originates from a series of events that impair the function of coronary arteries, the blood vessels responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. The pathophysiology of CAD is closely linked to atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory and lipid-driven condition affecting the vascular endothelium.1. Endothelial DamageThe process begins with damage to the vascular endothelium, which serves as a protective barrier between the blood and the vessel...
Vascular Resistance01:20

Vascular Resistance

Vascular resistance is a critical concept in understanding blood flow dynamics in the circulatory system. It refers to the resistance that blood encounters as it flows through the blood vessels. This resistance is a key factor in determining blood pressure and cardiac workload.
The primary determinants of vascular resistance are vessel diameter, blood viscosity, and vessel length. Among these, vessel diameter plays the most significant role due to the fourth power relationship described by...
Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) predominantly results from atherosclerosis, which involves the accumulation of fatty deposits, or plaques, within the walls of arteries. This causes them to narrow and harden, significantly reducing blood flow. PAD predominantly affects the legs, particularly the arteries supplying the thighs and calves. In rare cases, it may involve other arteries, including those in the arms.Etiology of PAD:The principal cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, which results from fatty...
Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...