However these two types of blood vessels serve distinct functions in the circulation, i.e. resistance vs. capacitance.
The renin angiotensin system (RAS) has received most attention in relation to its functions in the circulation, in which the generation of the active hormone, angiotensin II (Ang II), is associated with the regulation of aldosterone secretion, salt and water metabolism and blood pressure (Mulrow, 1999; Kaschina and Unger, 2003).
Given this capacity of MSCs and the role of impaired EPCs in human HF (Werner et al., 2005, Shantsila et al., 2007a), we hypothesized that MSCs would stimulate the bioactivity of circulating EPCs and improve endothelial function in the failing circulation.
Flicker light induced retinal vasodilation may reflect endothelial function in the retinal circulation.
In addition, PPARγ was reported to be an important regulator of endothelial function in the cerebral circulation, especially under conditions of high fat induced stress (15).
Assessments which stimulate endothelial release of NO can be used to examine vasodilatory function in the peripheral circulation and serve as an index of early vascular damage [ 1].
Accordingly, endothelial function in the coronary circulation was found to be inversely associated with the number of risk factors (19) and therefore with the global cardiovascular risk.
Standard methods used to assess endothelial function in the pulmonary circulation are invasive and complex [ 33], but recently developed ex vivo evaluations of endothelial biology have the potential to provide important insights [ 34].
However, the potential for sevoflurane to cause vasodilation via modulation of calcium and potassium ion channel function in this circulation remains to be determined.
Nevertheless, given that T3 has many and various biological functions, both in the circulation and in a tissue-specific manner, local administration of a thyroid-blocking agent is likely necessary and a challenging aspect.
Endothelial dysfunction is a marker of cardiovascular complications, and a close relation exists between endothelial function in the human coronary circulation and peripheral circulation (23, 24).
