Smacc

Endothelium was once thought to be an inert organ. However, it plays an important role in multiple functions. These include coagulation, inflammation and determination of vascular permeability. He then gives a brief overview of the endothelial arrangement, function of the glycocalyx layer and how an injury causing a loss of the protective layer results in holes in the endothelium. The inflammatory cells enter via these holes and causes oedema in the affected organs leading to multiple pathologies. Danny then explains the role of endothelium in controlling cell barrier function. Activation of cortactin protein and the myosin light-chain kinase (MLCK) enzymes activate stress fibres resulting in pulling of endothelial cells thereby increasing its permeability. Danny discusses the role of endothelial dysfunction in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) at macrovascular, microvascular and molecular levels. Macrovascular thrombosis is related to an increase in severity of ARDS, pulmonary hypertension, and mort