function
Last reviewed 01/2018
The endothelial cell has many functions, dependent on site:
- production of vasoactive substances:
- prostacyclin, PGI2
- endothelium-derived relaxing factor
- endothelin
- production of angiotensin converting enzyme on its surface
- passive filtration of substances
- production of carbonic anhydrase surface enzyme in lung
- secretion of structural elements: glycocalyx and basal lamina
- production of clotting agents:
- thromboxane
- von Willebrand's factor
- defence mechanisms:
- interaction with leukocytes to permit them passage to areas of inflammation
- contraction of intracellular filaments leading to gap formation