Role of endothelial cells in restenosis after coronary angioplasty

Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) is today a procedure of choice in many patients with atherosclerotic coronary artery disease. Despite high rates of initial success, restenosis, occurring in 30 to 40 percent of patients within the first six months, remains the major problem limiting the long-term efficacy of the procedure. Animal models have enhanced our knowledge in the understanding of the mechanisms involved in the restenotic process after experimental angioplasty. In fact, the two known determinants of restenosis are the proliferative and migrative response of underlying smooth muscle cells with production of extracellular matrix and the recently highlighted vascular remodelling. Endothelium, which regenerates from the leading edge of the de-endothelialized area within the weeks following arterial injury, is of particular interest in the modulation of the healing process after the procedure. Endothelial dysfunction, as an imbalance between relaxing and contracting factor, between anti- and pro-studies, using drugs that enhance endothelium-derived relaxing factors release or drugs that diminish endothelium-derived contracting factors production, have often been shown to be effective in the restenosis prevention. Thus, impairment in endothelial cell function may be considered as one of the major regulatory element in the restenotic process. This review discusses the interactions between endothelial and smooth muscle cells and has for aim to point out the major role of endothelial cells in the development of neointimal thickening and arterial remodelling.