Role of the von Willebrand factor in atherogenesis
- PMID: 316693
Role of the von Willebrand factor in atherogenesis
Abstract
The von Willebrand factor is a high molecular weight protein which is synthesized by endothelial cells and appears in plasma and platelets. The main function of the factor is in mediating the adherence of platelets to the deendothelialized vessel wall. Animals with congenital deficiency of the factor do not develop the atherosclerotic lesions found in their normal counterparts. Elevated levels of the von Willebrand factor are observed in patients with atherosclerotic peripheral vascular disease, myocardial infarction, and diabetics with proliferative retinopathy. These increases in the factor may be due to the increased turnover rates of platelets and endothelial cells commonly seen in these disorders. Whether elevated levels of the von Willebrand protein constitute a unique risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis and vascular occlusive disease should be determined by studies currently in progress.
Similar articles
-
[Von Willebrand factor and platelet adhesion to the subendothelium of the vascular wall].Nouv Rev Fr Hematol (1978). 1982;24(3):145-51. Nouv Rev Fr Hematol (1978). 1982. PMID: 6752879 Review. French.
-
Agglutination of formalin-fixed, platelet-type von Willebrand's disease platelets by human von Willebrand factor.Thromb Haemost. 1984 Dec 29;52(3):267-70. Thromb Haemost. 1984. PMID: 6241752
-
[Role of the von Willebrand factor in the physiopathology of primary hemostasis].Pol Tyg Lek. 1983 Nov 28;38(48):1519-21. Pol Tyg Lek. 1983. PMID: 6089153 Review. Polish. No abstract available.
-
Porcine von Willebrand disease: implications for the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis and thrombosis.Prog Hemost Thromb. 1986;8:159-83. Prog Hemost Thromb. 1986. PMID: 3550894 Review.
-
Role of von Willebrand factor in arterial thrombosis. Studies in normal and von Willebrand disease pigs.Circulation. 1991 Jun;83(6 Suppl):IV56-64. Circulation. 1991. PMID: 2040072 Review.