Endothelium-derived factors of veins: Implications in development of venous disease

Vascular endothelia release paracrine factors which affect aggregation of platelets and the tone and proliferation of the underlying smooth muscle. These endothelium-derived factors are released in response to two limbs of Virchow's triad: (1) substances associated with the coagulation cascade, and (2) changes in blood flow. Therefore, dysfunction of the venous endothelium could contribute to development of deep venous thrombosis and structural disease of the venous wall.