Key result
Radiation exposure induces vascular endothelial changes that may mediate subsequent multi-organ failure.
Why the study?
Alterations in endothelial cell functions following radiation exposure may play a critical role in mediating organ dysfunction, but their role in multi-organ failure is not fully understood.
Does the vascular endothelium have a role to play in mediating multi-organ failure following radiation exposure?
Does the vascular endothelium have a role to play in mediating multi-organ failure following radiation exposure?
The vascular endothelium may act as a central mediator of multi-organ failure following radiation exposure due to its versatile regulatory functions.
May warrant endothelial monitoring during radiation exposure; leaves open whether vascular-targeted interventions mitigate organ dysfunction.
Over the past two decades, investigators have increasingly recognised the importance of the endothelium as a central regulator of vascular and body homeostasis. The vascular endothelium is versatile and multifunctional. In addition to its role as a selective permeability barrier, it has many synthetic and metabolic properties, including modulation of vascular tone and blood flow, regulation of immune and inflammatory responses, and regulation of coagulation, fibrinolysis and thrombosis. Perturbations of endothelial structure and function result in pathological states. Following radiation exposure, changes of the vasculature and more specifically of the endothelial cells were a prominent histological finding dating back more than a century. Since then, there have been numerous studies detailing the morphological and functional changes seen in all types of vessels following irradiation of critical organ systems. This review addresses the question of how alterations in endothelial cell functions could play a critical role in mediating organ dysfunction following radiation exposure.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
M-H Gaugler (2005) conducted a review in Radiation exposure and multi-organ failure. Radiation exposure was evaluated on Organ dysfunction. Radiation exposure induces morphological and functional changes in the vascular endothelium, which may play a critical role in mediating subsequent organ dysfunction and multi-organ failure.
Synapse has enriched 4 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: