[Selected problems of endothelial functions. II. The role of the selectines in the damage of vascular endothelium].

Studies in the recent years have provided numerous evidence of the inflammatory and immunological character of atherosclerosis. In the early stages of the adhesion of leucocytes and platelets to the blood vessel wall, and also in occurring intercellular interactions leading to creating the atherosclerotic lamina, the adhesive molecules from the selectine family ply the crucial role. Their expression, mainly selectines L, P and E on the endothelial surface and on the smooth muscles of the vessels, undergoes a distinct intensification under the influence of hypoxia. The begun cascade of molecular changes with the contribution of selectines leads inevitably to the development of atherosclerotic changes. The neutrophile and lymphocyte fixed to the endothelium show ability to its damage, both as a result of immediate response [release of free oxygen radicals, enzymes and cytoxic substances] and as a result of indirect action [release of cytocines which change the biological property of the endothelium--the so called endothelial activation]. In this work the role of diabetes and hypertension in the intensification of those processes has been noticed.