The main function of vasculature is to serve as a vessel network for blood circulation between lungs and other organs. The endothelium is a major component of blood vessels, lining the inside of vessels and playing a central role in maintenance of vascular integrity. The endothelial barrier prevents blood component leakage into perivascular tissues. Increases in vascular permeability result in tissue edema, which is a hallmark of acute inflammatory diseases. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a simple phospholipid that exerts many physiopathological functions in various cell types including endothelial cells (ECs). LPA levels are detectable in plasma. Abnormal changes in LPA levels are correlated to diseases. LPA has been shown to regulate endothelial barrier integrity differently in different types of ECs. This chapter will summarize the current knowledge of the effect of LPA on endothelial barrier function and discuss how different ECs respond to LPA and molecular mechanisms underlying LPA-regulated EC barrier functions.
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