Endothelial Function: A Short Guide for the Interventional Cardiologist

Figures

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  Figure 1. Schematic representation of the effect of shear stress on the endothelial production of nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species. In a normal endothelium, laminar shear stress stimulated nitric oxide production, with vasodilator, anti-inflammatory, and anti-proliferative effects. In the setting of endothelial dysfunction, among others, the production of reactive oxygen species inhibits these mechanisms. After stenting, the disruption of laminar shear stress, the mechanical trauma and the increased wall strain activate a series of mechanisms that simulate (and add to) endothelial dysfunction.

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  Figure 2. The shear stress modifications induced by stenting.

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  Figure 3. Response to the intracoronary infusions of acetylcholine, expressed as percentage change in mean luminal diameter of the left anterior descending coronary artery (A) and circumflex coronary artery (B). * p = 0.02 versus balloon angioplasty and directional atherectomy groups. Open triangle = Stent group. Closed circle = Balloon angioplasty group. Open square = Directional atherectomy group. With permission from [44].