Regulatory mechanisms of the vascular endothelium: an update

This review discusses recent experimental findings in prostacyclin, nitric oxide and endothelin research. Prostacyclin formation by endothelial cells in atherosclerosis and diabetes is reviewed and the synthesis of prostacyclin by cyclooxygenase 1 and 2 (COX-1 and COX-2) is discussed. Further work on nitric oxide describes its involvement in septic and haemorrhagic shock and its interactions with the cyclooxygenase pathway. Recent studies in endothelin research include the development of both selective and orally active receptor antagonists, characterization of endothelin converting enzymes and the involvement of endothelin-1 in inflammation and wound repair.