Figure 2.

Endothelial dysfunction in atherosclerosis. Oxidative stress causes inhibition (T-bar) of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). Dysfunctional eNOS, in turn, further contributes to ROS formation (arrows). A number of other internal and external damaging factors impact the endothelial cells. Activation of the endothelial cells is associated with recruitment and adhesion of the immune cells, their penetration into the subendothelial space and initiation of the inflammatory response. Increased permeability of dysfunctional endothelium facilitates lipid entry into the arterial wall.