The microvascular endothelial cell in shock

PhD ceremony: Mr. M. van Meurs, 14.45 uur, Academiegebouw, Broerstraat 5, Groningen

Title: The microvascular endothelial cell in shock

Promotor(s): prof. G. Molema, prof. J.G. Zijlstra, prof. L.P.H.J. Aarts

Faculty: Medical Sciences

Many patients of the intensive care unit develop multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) as the result of shock. Insight in the nature and molecular basis of endothelial cell activation during shock can assist in identifying and evaluating therapeutic interventions. In this thesis models of hemorrhagic and septic shock were used to study microvascular endothelial responses in shock, in particular inflammation and vascular leakage. The results obtained from animal studies were related to the findings from the blood of shock-patients. Microvascular endothelial cells showed organ specific responses to different types of shock and MODS. Because these findings could not be simulated in tissue cultures in the lab, it is concluded that endothelial cells can only be understood when they are studied in their natural environment.