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PubMed · 12004233

Endothelial cell dynamics and complexity theory.

William C Aird
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Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To apply complexity theory to understanding endothelial cell function in health and disease. DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SELECTION: Published research and review articles in the English language related to complexity theory and endothelial cell biology. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: The results of published studies have been used to generate a hypothesis of nonlinear dynamics in endothelial cell biology. CONCLUSIONS: The endothelium displays nonlinear complexity. I propose a model in which healthy endothelium retains a broad range of responses and is therefore highly active, whereas dysfunctional endothelium becomes locked into a narrow range of responses, approaching a single steady state and eventual quiescence. These concepts lay a foundation for understanding the pathophysiology of endothelial cell dysfunction in the multiple organ dysfunction syndrome.

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Blood CoagulationEndothelium, VascularHumansMolecular BiologyMultiple Organ FailureJournal ArticleResearch Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.Review

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William C Aird. 2002. Endothelial cell dynamics and complexity theory.. https://doi.org/10.1097/00003246-200205001-00002

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