The role of endothelium in the homeostatic balance of haemostasis

Abstract

As the cells forming the luminal vascular surface, endothelial cells are strategically positioned to play an important role in the regulation of coagulation. They cannot be regarded as an inert surface lining the vessel wall since they possess multiple activities. Anticoagulant properties include provision of a cell surface with heparin-like molecules (which can serve as binding sites for antithrombin III), synthesis of thrombomodulin (which alters the substrate specificity of thrombin), maintenance of a low level of tissue factor and generation of prostacyclin. In addition to these anticoagulant properties, endothelial cells can play a role in procoagulant reactions. Studies which have examined mechanisms underlying the localization of thrombotic processes have suggested the possible involvement of endothelial cells in procoagulant events. Endothelial cells have been found to propagate factor X and prothrombin activation once factor IXa and factor Xa have been formed. Factors regulating the balance of plasminogen activator and inhibitor synthesis are also under study. Perturbation of endothelial cells with induction of tissue factor and production of platelet-activating factor and thromboxane provides a model of the thrombotic state in which endothelium can promote coagulation. The multiple properties of endothelial cells indicate that a continuous blood flow in an unperturbed region of the vessel wall results from a complex interplay of anticoagulant and procoagulant activities. In a perturbed region, endothelial cells might initiate coagulation and the thrombin formed on the surface of endothelial cells might then lead to recruitment of platelets.