[The role of endothelial cells in allergic inflammation reactions]

Abstract

Inflammatory response in tissue results from a complex network of interactions between inflammatory cells (mast cells, eosinophils, basophils, macrophages) and resident cells belonging to the lung structure (like endothelial cells, fibroblasts, epithelial cells). Among structural cells, endothelial cells play a critical role. The important role of endothelium is also reflected in the fact that it occupies an area exceeding 1000 m2. Thus, endothelium is the largest and the most active paracrine organ in the body, producing potent vasoactive, procoagulant, anticoagulant, and proinflammatory substances. Endothelial cells have four key functions that alter in the process of inflammation: 1 a) Regulation and control of leukocyte traffic through the expression of adhesion molecules (selectins E and P, molecules of immunoglobulin superfamily ICAM-1, ICAM-2, VCAM); 1 b) They are also able to amplify leukocyte activation through the production of proinflammatory cytokines like IL-1, IL-6 and chemokines like IL-8 and RANTES molecules; 2) Regulation of vascular tone by production of PGI-2, EDRF/NO and elements of local renin-angiotensin system; 3) Regulation of local coagulation by controlling the production of t-PA and PAI-1; 4) Regulation of the vascular permeability. In the states of acute inflammation, the endothelial cell takes on a proinflammatory phenotype and as such becomes chemoattractant, facilitating leukocyte adhesion, activation and migration, becomes prothrombotic and demonstrates enhanced vascular permeability.