Introduction

The endothelium is a single layer of cells that lines the intimal surface of the circulatory system of vertebrates. Initially, the endothelial cell (EC) was thought to function as only a passive inert barrier between the circulating blood and surrounding tissue. However, it is now evident that the endothelium is an important physiological and metabolic organ with broad paracrine and endocrine activity (Pearson, 1991). The EC population is not homogeneous. It displays remarkable phenotypic and functional differences not only between species but also within the same organism (Fajardo, 1989). This chapter will review some current knowledge on the morphogenesis, development, and maturation of the EC and its physiologic and metabolic roles. Also, it will discuss the potential role of developmental aberrations in endothelial function in pathogenesis.

Endothelial cell development

Vasculogenesis and angiogenesis

The embryonic development of the endothelium has been closely studied in conjunction with the development and maturation of blood vessels. Embryonic ECs and their precursors are very different from mature adult cells. The metamorphosis of embryonic ECs may occur in less than 24 hours, whereas adult cells may not change for more than 20 years (Pardanaud & Dieterlen-Lievre, 1993). Endothelial precursors arise from the differentiation of mesodermal aggregates called blood islands found in the yolk sac (Risau et al., 1988). The outer layers of the island develop into endothelial precursors, and the inner cells form the hematopoietic stem cells.

During the embryonic period, extensive proliferation and remodeling of the ECs are required in the development of the regional circulation (Risau & Lemmon, 1988). Despite limited techniques, by the beginning of this century the vascular endothelium was noted to originate from both extra- and intraembryonic sources (Evans, 1909).