Determinants of Vessel Targeting in Vasculitis
Studies of autoimmune diseases have not yet elucidated why certain organs or vessels become the objects of injury while others are spared. This paper will explore the hypothesis that important differences exist in regions of the aorta that determine vulnerability...
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| Main Author: | |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wiley
2004-01-01
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| Series: | Clinical and Developmental Immunology |
| Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17402520400001652 |
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| Summary: | Studies of autoimmune diseases have not yet elucidated why certain organs
or vessels become the objects of injury while others are spared. This paper will
explore the hypothesis that important differences exist in regions of the aorta that
determine vulnerability to diseases, such as atherosclerosis, aortitis, giant cell
arteritis and Takayasu's disease. The reader is invited to reassess; (1) whether
the aorta is indeed a single homogeneous structure, and (2) whether the initial
stage of aortitis (and indeed other diseases considered “autoimmune”) may be
primarily due to acquired alterations of substrate, that influence unique immune
profiles, which by themselves may not be pathogenic. Disease susceptibility and
patterns are influenced by many factors that are inborn and acquired. Examples
include genetic background, gender, ethnicity, aging, prior and concomitant
illnesses, habits, diet, toxin and environmental exposures. Studies of vascular
diseases must assess how such variables may affect regional differences in
endothelial cells, subendothelial matrix, vascular
smooth muscle and the response of each to a variety of stimuli. |
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| ISSN: | 1740-2522 1740-2530 |