Regulation of Weibel-Palade body exocytosis

Trends Cardiovasc Med. 2005 Nov;15(8):302-8. doi: 10.1016/j.tcm.2005.09.005.

Abstract

Weibel-Palade bodies (WPBs) are endothelial granules that store von Willebrand factor (VWF), P-selectin, and other vascular modulators. Endothelial cells secrete WPBs in response to vascular injury, releasing VWF, which triggers platelet rolling, and externalizing P-selectin, which activates leukocyte trafficking. Endothelial exocytosis is one of the earliest responses to vascular damage and plays a pivotal role in thrombosis and inflammation. This review examines the regulation of WPB exocytosis-the exocytic machinery, activators, and inhibitors of exocytosis-and speculates about the development of novel anti-exocytic drugs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Endothelium, Vascular / physiology*
  • Exocytosis / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Nitric Oxide / physiology
  • P-Selectin / physiology
  • Protein Transport / physiology
  • SNARE Proteins / physiology
  • Weibel-Palade Bodies / physiology*

Substances

  • P-Selectin
  • SNARE Proteins
  • Nitric Oxide