Abbildung 6: Endotheliale Dysfunktion
The earliest changes that occur within the dysfunctional endothelium include: Increase of the permeability of the endothelium to lipoproteins and plasma constituents. This alteration is mediated by nitric oxide, angiotensin II, endothelin and other compounds. Leukocyte adhesion molecules are produced in greater quantity, thus increasing the uptake of leukocytes and their adhesion to the vessel wall.