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[Measurement of pulmonary endothelial function; its potential clinical value]
Annales De L'Anesthesiologie Francaise
|January 1, 1980
Summary
The pulmonary endothelium metabolizes vasoactive substances via uptake or cell surface hydrolysis. Understanding these endothelial cell functions is crucial for assessing lung health and vascular tone.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary and systemic endothelial cell metabolism.
- Vasoactive substance transport and hydrolysis.
Context:
- The pulmonary endothelium possesses metabolic functions for circulating vasoactive substances.
- Substances like noradrenaline, serotonin, and peptides are processed by endothelial cells.
Purpose:
- To review the metabolic properties of the pulmonary endothelium.
- To discuss the clinical applicability of assessing endothelial function.
Summary:
- Endothelial cells uptake and metabolize substances like serotonin, or hydrolyze peptides (e.g., angiotensin I) on their surface.
- Pulmonary endothelial function influences circulating substance concentrations and vascular tone.
- Site-specific endothelial functions exist, with some shared with systemic endothelial cells.
Impact:
- Assessing pulmonary endothelial cell integrity is vital for understanding lung pathophysiology, such as in hyperoxia.
- Distinguishing between endothelial cell dysfunction and reduced cell number remains a challenge for clinical application.