An investigation into a possible relationship between nitric oxide synthesis and tissue factor induction in human umbilical venous endothelial cells

Cultured human umbilical venous endothelial cells were utilized to study a possible relationship between nitric oxide synthesis and tissue factor induction. Nitric (NO) is a low molecular-weight free radical that has been shown to facilitate vasodilation in blood vessels and reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and hypertension. Tissue factor is a protein expressed in endothelial cells that initiates the extrinsic pathway of the blood coagulation mechanism. By exploring this relationship, a potential new link between thrombosis and endothelial cell metabolism may be discovered.