What are the characteristics of a healthy endothelium?
Posted September 26, 2023
Answer
A healthy endothelium may be characterized by its ability to do the following:
- Regulate the vasodilation and vasoconstriction of blood vessels: Healthy endothelial cells help the blood vessels constrict or dilate depending on internal and external stimuli as well as changes in temperature.
- Control the amount of fluid traveling from the blood to the tissues: A healthy endothelium has just the right amount of permeability so that fluids can travel in between its cells to reach the tissues while still being tight enough to form a barrier preventing toxins and foreign substances from entering the bloodstream.
- Prevent thrombosis: Blood clots that form during thrombosis obstruct the free flow of blood, resulting in serious consequences. A healthy endothelium produces substances such as nitric oxide and prostacyclin that help maintain blood fluidity and prevent unwanted clotting.
Additional resources
The Vascular Endothelium and Human Diseases
Cell Meter™ Fixed Cell and Tissue TUNEL Apoptosis Assay Kit *Blue Fluorescence*