Skip to main content

Table 1 Physiology and pathophysiology of endothelial cells

From: Bench-to-bedside review: Endothelial cell dysfunction in severe sepsis: a role in organ dysfunction?

Properties of ECs

In sepsis

Surface area: 1-7 m2

ECs become injured, prothrombotic and antifibrinolytic

Weight: 1 kg/70 kg body weight

They promote platelet adhesion

Number: 1-6 × 1013 cells

They promote leucocyte adhesion and inhibit vasodilation

They line vessels in every organ: 'gate keeping role'

 

They favour vasodilatation

 

They promote antithrombosis and profibrinolysis

 

They inhibit platelet adhesion and leucocyte adhesion

 
  1. Shown are key endothelial cell (EC) functions that are altered in inflammation or sepsis.
Back to article page

Critical Care

ISSN: 1364-8535