IOSPress

This volume has a focus on Vascular Endothelium, NO and Hypertension and is a continuum of the volumes on Mechanobiology of Cartilage and Chondrocyte. Indeed, vascular endothelial plays a significant role in regulating blood flow, and endothelial cells (EC) have highly active metabolic functions. They generate vasoactive mediators like prostacyclin, nitric oxide (NO) and endothelin (ET-1). Endothelial cells also synthesize various proteins like von Willebrand’s factor, growth factors, and tissue plasminogen activators. They have also enzymes that inactivate bradykinin and convert angiotensin I into angiotension II (a vasopressor agent). In other respects it is now well-known that mechanical forces and stretch can modulate EC functions by activating mechano-sensors, signalling pathways, genes and protein expressions. This mechanical approach leads to a better knowledge of vascular remodelling observed in many pathologies. These different aspects are all covered in this volume.