[Role of the endothelium in the control of vascular motility: physiologic aspects and physiopathologic implications in cardiovascular diseases]. 
It was recently demonstrated that vascular endothelium produces many substances which modulate the vascular tone by acting locally (endothelium derived relaxing factor, angiotensin II, endothelin, prostacyclin).  The authors review the physiological regulatory role of these substances and their involvement in cardiovascular diseases.  They also consider the interaction between the endothelium derived factors and some cardiovascular drugs (such as calcium antagonists and ACE-inhibitors) and also the mechanisms of the possible protective action of these drugs on the vascular wall.