Author/Editor		Jurčić, V; Ferluga, D; Vizjak, A; Hojnik, M; Božič, B; Rozman, B; Jakša, I
Title		Endotelna celica in antiendotelna protitelesa
Translated title		Endothelial cell and anti-endothelial cell antibodies
Type		članek
Source		Zdrav Vestn
Vol. and No.		Letnik 63, št. 11
Publication year		1994
Volume		str. 671-5
Language		slo
Abstract		Background. Endothelium is morphologically heterogenous-continuous, discontinuous and fenestrated. Endothelial cells play an active role in the basement membrane turn over, regulation of vascular tonus, blood flow and coagulation, in the metabolism of lipoproteins and angiogenesis. They are the target of various exogenous and endogenous noxious agents. Endothelial cells play an important role in immune and nonimmune pathologic processes. Of particular importance in these processes are adhesion molecules on the surface of the endothelial cells. Recent investigations of immune mechanisms involved in endothelial cell damage have indicated the significance of anti-endothelial cell antibodies, wich were demonstrated in the sera in different diseases, especially systemic connective tissue diseases. In vitro studies and animal models have shown that they might damage the endothelial cell. However, the target antigens are still undefined. Only occasional studies stress the relationship between anti-endothelial cell antibodies and disease activity. Conclusions. The pathogenic role of these antibodies is poorly established and their diagnostic significance remains to be determined. It seems possible that anti-endothelial cell antibodies assay will not be a specific diagnostic test but an indicator of vascular involvement in various diseases.
Descriptors		ENDOTHELIUM ANTIBODIES ENDOTHELIUM, VASCULAR ANTIBODIES, ANTICARDIOLIPIN