Thromb Haemost 2001; 86(05): 1148-1155
DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1616043
Review Article
Schattauer GmbH

Regulated Secretion in Endothelial Cells: Biology and Clinical Implications

Yvonne H. Datta
1   Division of Hematology/Oncology, Medical College of Wisconsin, USA
,
Bruce M. Ewenstein
2   Division of Hematology, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, USA
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received 09 March 2001

Accepted after revision 20 June 2001

Publication Date:
13 December 2017 (online)

Preview

Summary

Regulated secretion provides a means by which endothelial cells (EC) can rapidly and selectively alter the microenvironment of individual vascular beds, and modulate the interrelated processes of coagulation, fibrinolysis, and inflammation. The rapid release of high molecular weight multimers of von Willebrand factor (VWF) and surface expression of P-selectin in response to a wide variety of stimuli have been well documented, and are the result of exocytosis of Weibel-Palade bodies (WPB). The regulated release of other EC secretory proteins, including tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), interleukin-8, endothelin-1, and multimerin, has also been described. New light is being shed on how secretory proteins are selectively targeted to storage granules in EC, and on the molecular and cellular events that comprise regulated secretion. Knowledge of the mechanisms of sorting and secretion from EC storage granules may provide basis for new strategies for treating inflammatory and coagulation disorders.