Question

Describe four specific changes initiated by injured endothelium through the release of substances and the effect of those substances on coagulation.  

Answer 1

There are twol levels of response that initiates after injury of endothelium. The initial rapid response involves chaninges in levels of nitric oxide, prostaglandins, ET-1, von willebrand factor and tissue plasmogen activator. The slower response depends on fundamental changes in cell surface characteristics, and alterations in the underlying basement membrane and the smooth muscle cellsthat surrounds the endothelium. These changes are brought about by molecules that are particularly potent growth factors involved in the deposition of ECM, and activation and proliferation of the vSMCs, pericytes and other mesenchymal cell types associated with the blood vessel wall. This ultimately results in vessel remodelling, with profound changes in cellular architecture.