Endothelium: from cellophane to orchestral maestro
Ralph L. Nachman
Ralph L. Nachman
Published March 1, 2012
Citation Information: J Clin Invest. 2012;122(3):796-797. https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI62589.
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Hindsight

Endothelium: from cellophane to orchestral maestro

Abstract

Endothelial cells from human umbilical veins were first cultured nearly four decades ago, initiating explosive growth in research in vascular biology and leading to major insights into angiogenesis, vasculogenesis, and tumor biology. Recent studies now promise to open new horizons in regenerative medicine as well as organ engineering.

Authors

Ralph L. Nachman

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Figure 1

The endothelial cell symphony.

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The endothelial cell symphony. The endothelial cells conduct luminal con...
The endothelial cells conduct luminal constitutive, anticoagulant, and antiinflammatory functions as well as nonconstitutive, activated, thromboregulatory activities. Furthermore, these cells secrete angiocrines, which orchestrate a number of different pathways, including embryonic organogenesis, hematopoiesis, metastasis, and lung and liver regeneration.