Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2001; 109(Suppl 2): S166-S179
DOI: 10.1055/s-2001-18579
Physiology - Metabolism - Pathophysiology

© Johann Ambrosius Barth

The endothelium as a metabolic and endocrine organ: its relation with insulin resistance

S. M. Baumgartner-Parzer, W. K. Waldhäusl
  • Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine III, University of Vienna, Austria
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
23 November 2001 (online)

Summary:

The vascular endothelium, building the inner layer of capillaries and blood vessels of all sorts, represents a highly active metabolic and endocrine organ producing a multitude of different molecules, including vasoactive peptide hormones, growth factors, coagulation factors and adhesion molecules. In addition, it expresses many of the respective endocrine, paracrine and cytokine/growth factor receptors. It thereby regulates the delicate balance between vasoconstriction and vasodilation, between coagulation and fibrinolysis, proliferation and apoptosis, as well as between transient adhesion and diapedesis of blood borne leukocytes. This minireview addresses the potential interactions of these important functions in the states of diabetes and of insulin resistance including obesity, hypertension and dyslipidaemia, all of which characterized by endothelial dysfunction.