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Function

Authoring team

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

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