The Radiation Biology of the Vascular Endothelium

Endothelial cells are early targets of radiation injury. Because these cells are tissues easily damaged by radiation, if we can understand the causes of radiation injury, then normal cells can be well protected and tumors can be destroyed. The Radiation Biology of the Vascular Endothelium brings together expert reviews on the biology and radiobiology of the vasculature, with emphasis on the endothelial cell component of blood vessels. The book covers both the basic aspects of endothelial cell biology and the practical consequences of this for the oncologist, with special reference to the radiation oncologist. After reading The Radiation Biology of the Vascular Endothelium, no clinical or experimental oncologist should be able to ignore the intimate relationship between tumor and normal tissue cells and endothelial cells that form the barrier to, and are the bearers of, essential nutrient supplies. TOC:Foreword.- The Endothelial Cell is a Unique Target of Radiation: An Overview.- The Histopathology of Irradiated Endothelium.- Functional Measures of Endothelial Integrity and Pharmacologic Modification of Radiation Injury.- Antioxidant Defenses and the Irradiated Endothelium.- Protein Synthesis in Irradiated Endothelial Cells.- Signaling in the Radiation Response of Endothelial Cells.- Effect of Ionizing Radiation on Endothelial Cell Plasma Membrane Processes.- Inflammatory Cytokines, Radiation, and Endothelial Gene Products: A Common Role for Reactive Oxygen Intermediates.- Extracellular Matrix Regulates Endothelial Cell Morphology, Receptor Expression, and Response to Low Dose Radiation.- Endothelial-Oriented Strategies to Spare Normal Tissues.- Tumor Bed Phenomenon: Effect on Tumor Progression and Therapy.- Photodynamic Therapy and Endothelial Cells.- Index.