Endothelium and Nitric Oxide in CVD Flashcards
In which patients are prognostic biomarkers used?
Those with overt disease
In which patients are diagnostic biomarkers used?
Those who are suspected to have disease
When is screening used?
To assist in the care of patients who have no apparent disease
What is the precursor to all cardiovascular disease?
Damage to the endothelium
What is the endothelium?
Internal lining of all blood vessels
Why is damage to the endothelium a precursor to all CVD?
It regulates a number of important pathways that contribute to CVD
True or false
The endothelium detects the direction of blood flow?
True
How does endothelium detect the direction of blood flow?
Through its mechanoreceptors
How does the endothelium maintain blood flow?
Through autoregulation
What are the two types of chemicals that are released from the endothelium?
Vasodilators and vasoconstrictors
Examples of vasodilators released from the endothelium
Endothelium derived relaxing factor (nitric oxide)
Prostaglandins (PGI2, PGE2)
Endothelium derived hyperpolarising factor (CO)
Examples of vasoconstrictors released from the endothelium
Endothelin
Prostanoids (thromboxane, PGG2, PGH2)
How does the endothelium maintain vascular health?
Via dilation
Anti-thrombotic
Anti-inflammatory
Anti-oxidant
How is nitric oxide produced by the endothelium?
Acetylcholine reacts with the endothelium to produce nitric oxide
What does nitric oxide bind to when it is released from the endothelium?
It binds to haemoglobin very quickly
What catalyses the production of nitric oxide?
Nitric oxide synthase
What is NOS I?
Neuronal NOS (nNOS)
Where is NOS I found?
Neurons
What is NOS II?
Inducible NOS (iNOS)
Where is NOS II found?
Macrophages, neutrophils, fibroblasts, vascular smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells
In what situations does NOS II react?
Where inflammation and infection has a role
What is NOS III?
Endothelial NOS (eNOS)
Where is NOS III found?
Endothelial cells, cardiomyocytes, osteocytes, osteoblasts
Which NOS produces the most NO?
NOS II
Which NOS is the one that is produced all the time without activation?
NOS III
What is the main precursor of NOS?
L-arganine
Examples of tests of endothelial function
Brachial artery catheterisation
Brachial artery flow mediated dilatation
Laser doppler imaging
Endothelium peripheral artery tone
Blood markers of endothelial activation
Markers of inflammation
Markers of coagulation/fibrinolysis