Small Artery Endothelial Dysfunction in Postmenopausal Women:<i>In Vitro</i>Function, Morphology, and Modification by Estrogen and Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators

Abstract

The resistance arteries from postmenopausal women show functional and morphological abnormalities. ERalpha may contribute to vascular protection by estrogens in the peripheral resistance circulation in postmenopausal women. Selective ERalpha agonists warrant further investigation as therapeutic agents for prevention of cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women.