The Pulmonary Endothelium is a uniquely comprehensive compendium of our current knowledge of the pulmonary endothelium and is the first book dedicated specifically to the subject, offering insights into current and future approaches to management. The text provides the clinician with the most up-to-date information on one of the core physiological processes in airway disease and is an ideal point of reference for both postgraduates and professionals – specialist physicians in pulmonology and allergy and workers in biomedical and pharmaceutical research.

The endothelium enables communication between blood and tissues and is actively involved in cardiovascular homeostasis. Endothelial dysfunction has been recognized as an early step in the development of cardiovascular diseases: respectively, endothelium represents a potential therapeutic niche with multiple targets. The purpose of the book is to point out some recent findings of endothelial physiology and pathophysiology emphasizing various aspects of endothelial dysfunction connected to the body's internal and external environment. While basic features of the endothelium are presented in an introductory chapter, the authors of the following 17 chapters have provided extensive insight into some selected topics of endothelial (dys)function. The book would hopefully be useful for anyone interested in recapitulating endothelial (patho)physiology and expanding knowledge of molecular mechanisms involved in endothelial dysfunction, relevant also for further clinical investigations.

This book provides a comprehensive review of the structure, function and pathophysiology of the pulmonary vasculature. Emerging evidence reveals the multifaceted roles played by the pulmonary vasculature. To reflect those roles, the individual chapters address topics ranging from pulmonary blood vessel development to vascular endothelial apoptosis, and delve deeply into our current understanding of various aspects of the pulmonary vasculature.

Pulmonary vascular endothelial cells (ECs) line the surface of the lung vasculature and accommodate the various levels of blood flow. Pulmonary endothelium is a critical regulator of vascular homeostasis by inhibiting coagulation of the blood. The ECs bind tissue factor pathway inhibitors (TFPI), modulate hemostasis with opposing effects such as antiplatelet, anticoagulant and fibrinolytic properties. Lung endothelium regulates synthesis and metabolism of vasoactive compounds such as nitric oxide and endothelin-1, both potent regulators of vascular tone. Cytokines, chemokines, interleukins, adhesion molecules, and growth factors can be secreted by pulmonary ECs with positive and adverse effects. Pulmonary endothelium exhibits heterogeneity with diverse expression of molecules and specific differences in signaling induced by various infections such as Gram-positive bacteria. The distinction of macro or microvascular endothelium occurs from the larger vessels to small capillaries in the lung alveoli system. Lectin-binding patterns discriminate between pulmonary artery and pulmonary microvascular capillary endothelium. The lung is one of the body's organs with the highest expression of vascular endothelial growth factor that stimulates small vessel formation of the microvascular endothelium. Acute respiratory distress syndrome and acute chest syndrome in sickle cell disease are two prototypes of devastating diseases caused by pulmonary EC dysfunction.

Pulmonary endothelium forms the inner lining of blood vessels, where it interprets the complex mechanical and chemical environment within the circulation and adjusts its behavior to facilitate vascular homeostasis. Although endothelium fulfills many essential functions, including regulation of vascular pressure, circulating cell transmigration, coagulation, and hormone metabolism and/or delivery, a principal role is to form a semi-permeable barrier that limits fluid, solute and macromolecular access to the interstitial space. Physiological properties that govern such permeability characteristics are defined by the Starling equation, which assumes that endothelial cells throughout the circulation are all alike. However, in recent years it has become evident that endothelial cells in pulmonary arteries, capillary and veins are heterogeneous in structure and function. Here, we review evidence for endothelial heterogeneity among these pulmonary vascular segments, and consider the implications for such heterogeneity in lung fluid balance, especially as it relates to the Starling equation.

This open access book focuses on the molecular mechanism of congenital heart disease and pulmonary hypertension, offering new insights into the development of pulmonary circulation and the ductus arteriosus. It describes in detail the molecular mechanisms involved in the development and morphogenesis of the heart, lungs and ductus arteriosus, covering a range of topics such as gene functions, growth factors, transcription factors and cellular interactions, as well as stem cell engineering technologies. The book also presents recent advances in our understanding of the molecular mechanism of lung development, pulmonary hypertension and molecular regulation of the ductus arteriosus. As such, it is an ideal resource for physicians, scientists and investigators interested in the latest findings on the origins of congenital heart disease and potential future therapies involving pulmonary circulation/hypertension and the ductus arteriosus.

Membranes in Pulmonary Vascular Disease, Volume 82, the latest release in the Current Topics in Membranes series, highlights new advances in the field, with this new volume presenting interesting chapters from recognized experts on topics such as Sphingolipids in Vascular Lung Disease, Endothelial Glycocalyx, Cholesterol Regulation of Endothelial Cell Calcium Homeostasis in Pulmonary Hypertension, Mechanosensitive Channels and Gap Junction Channels in EC, Endothelial Protrusions in Junctional Integrity and Barrier Function, Cortical Actin Dynamics in Endothelial Permeability, Endothelial Microparticles and Exosomes, Store Operated TRP Channels and Endothelial Responses, and Caveolin and Endothelial NO signaling. Provides the authority and expertise of leading contributors from an international board of authors Presents the latest release in the Current Topics in Membranes series Includes the latest information on Membranes in Pulmonary Vascular Disease