[Functional characteristics of endothelium in arterial hypertension]

With findings of prostacyclin, known as a very potent antiplatelet, anticoagulant, vasodilator, a profibrinolytic and cytoprotective substance from arachidonic acid cascade, many different endothelium-derived vasoactive substances were discovered. It is known (1980) that intact endothelium is necessary for the vasorelaxant effect of acetylcholine in isolated rabbit aorta. The balance between relaxing and contracting factors of endothelial origin is very important for optimal blood vessel diameter and tissue perfusion. The existence of endothelium-derived vascular smooth muscle cells growth and proliferation factors is a new important dimension in the understanding of function of vascular endothelium.