Case 4 Flashcards
(186 cards)
Why is endothelium significant in the clotting cascade?
Synthesis of von Willibrand factor (haemostasis) and PGI2 (antithrombotic, prevents aggregation of platelets)
Production of nitric oxide by endothelial cells
Ligand binds to GPCR. Activation of PLC which converts PIP2 to IP3 and DAG.
These molecules cause an increase in intracellular Ca2+.
Ca2+ binds to calmodulin and activates eNOS (endothelial NO synthase).
eNOS synthesises NO from L-arginine - BH4 is an essential cofactor.
How is NO production maintained when stimulus is prolonged?
Increased transcription of eNOS.
How do endothelial cells in the blood vessel walls respond to mechanical force?
Glycocalyces project into lumen of vessel and are attached to the cytoskeleton. Movement of glycocalyx activates Ca2+ channels. Increased Ca2+ intracellularly causing eNOS activation. NO production and vasodilation.
How does NO cause vasodilation?
Activation of cGMP and therefore PKG. PKG inhibits Ca2+ influx into sarcoplasm and promotes Ca2+ efflux out of sarcoplasm.
(PKG also inhibits IP3 mediated Ca2+ influx pathway)
Paracrine effects of Nitric Oxide
Decreased platelet aggregation + decreased monocyte and platelet adhesion
Decreased LDL oxidation - fewer atheromatous plaques formed.
Decreased expression of adhesion molecules
Decreased smooth muscle proliferation and contraction.
Changes in vascular endothelial cells with age
Older endothelial cells generate more reactive oxygen species.
ROS react with NO, reducing its bioavailability and producing peroxinitrites which have detrimental effects on cell functions.
Endothelial dysfunction - reduced vasodilation
Changes to blood vessels which occur as a result of endothelial dysfunction
Thickening of media and narrowing of lumen (due to vascular inflammation and remodelling)
Increased stiffness and potentially calcification.
Endothelium derived contracting factors
Usually prostanoids which cause contraction.
Has a greater effect when NO production is impaired.
Risk factors for atherosclerosis
Smoking Hyperlipidaemia Diabetes Hypertension Shear stress (occurs at sites where blood changes speed/direction)
Formation of an atheromatous plaque
Circulating LDL and monocytes cross the vascular endothelium into the intima.
LDLs become oxidised (oxidised LDL promotes increased permeability of endothelium)
Monocytes mature into macrophages.
Macrophages take up OxLDL and become foam cells.
Foam cells release inflammatory signals to recruit more leukocytes to site.
Foam cells accumulate and become apoptotic - releasing LDL and forming a lipid deposit. This also causes proinflammatory signal release, so further influx of inflammatory cells.
Finally, smooth muscle cells dedifferentiate, migrate and proliferate into intima. Secrete ECM forming a fibrous cap.
Factors responsible for monocyte adhesion to vascular endothelial cell membrane
P selections and E selectins
Factors responsible for monocyte migration across vascular endothelial cell membrane into intima
MCP-1 and OxLDL
Why does atheromatous plaque formation occur at regions where blood changes direction/speed?
Part of the wall will experience a decrease in shear stress - less eNOS activation.
Therefore, less endothelial repair.
More ROS generated, leukocyte adhesion, LDL entering intima and inflammation.
When the plaque is formed, the region of disturbed flow is amplified.
Eccentric plaque
Does not occupy the whole circumference
Concentric plaque
Occupies the whole circumference
Factors which affect stability of atheromatous plaques
Size - larger plaques contain more soft material and are therefore less stable.
Lipid content - higher ratio of lipid to fibrous cap is less stable
Bleeding inside the cap - increased pressure and therefore more susceptible to rupture.
Endothelial contracting factors
H2O2 Prostanoids Angiotensin II Endothelin - I Thromboxane A2 Superoxide anion
Endothelial relaxing factors
NO PGI2 H2O2 Adenosine Epoxyeicosatrienicacids (EETs)
Endothelium Derived Hyperpolarising Factor
Compensatory mechanism - cause vasodilation when NO bioavailability is compromised due to superoxide production.
Significant role in disease states e.g. hypertension
Left Anterior Descending coronary artery supplies…
Right and left ventricles and interventricular septum
Left Marginal coronary artery supplies…
Left ventricle
Left circumflex coronary artery supplies…
Left atrium and ventricle
Right Coronary artery supplies…
Right atrium and ventricle