Vascular endothelium: an integrator of pathophysiologic stimuli in atherosclerosis.

Vascular endothelium, the single-cell-thick lining of the cardiovascular system, is an important functional component of the blood vessel wall, actively participating in normal vascular physiology as well as the pathogenesis of vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis. The localized modulation of vascular endothelium to a non-adaptive functional state can be termed "endothelial dysfunction." This article provides a brief overview of endothelial dysfunction, especially as it relates to mononuclear leukocyte recruitment during atherosclerotic lesion formation. Potential diagnostic and therapeutic implications are also considered.