[Physiology of the interactions of blood and the blood vessel wall. Role of pharmacologically active lipids].

The interactions of blood cells (platelets and leukocytes) with the components of the vessel wall (endothelial cells, extracellular subendothelial matrix and smooth muscle cells) play an important role in the initiation of thrombosis and the development of atherosclerosis. These cellular interactions are partially regulated by the formation of pharmacologically active lipids (PAL): prostaglandins, leukotrienes, PAF-acether and related compounds. These biochemical mediators are produced from the phospholipids of the cell membrane in response to external stimulation. The metabolic precursors, such as arachidonic acid, are common. The subsequent enzymatic differentiation leads to the formation of different terminal products according to the cells, thromboxane A2 in the platelets and prostacyclin in the endothelial cells.