Local endothelial dysfunction does not affect global endothelial function.

Abstract. Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate two alternative non-invasive techniques for assessment of endothelial function in adults with special focus on their ability to monitor acute changes. Patients and methods: Twenty-five clinically healthy men (mean age 24 ± 2 years) underwent endothelial function measurements twice in fasting state and twice after experimental induction of transient endothelial dysfunction by oral application of 0.1g/kg L-methionine and by ingestion of 500 ml whipped cream (30 % fat), respectively. Microvascular vasodilator responses to flickering-light by retinal vessel analysis and vascular responses to inhaled salbutamol by pulse wave analysis were assessed at each occasion. Ultrasound based flow-mediated dilation (FMD) was used as reference method. Results: Transient endothelial dysfunction in response to acute hyperlipidaemia and hyperhomocysteinaemia was verified by blunted brachial responses to hyperaemia. Retinal vessel analysis demonstrated significan...