Carotid Artery Endothelial Cells (CAEC)

Carotid artery endothelial cells (CAECs) form the inner lining of the carotid arteries, which supply oxygenated blood to the brain and head. As a key component of the vascular endothelium, CAECs are essential for maintaining vascular function and homeostasis.

These specialized cells regulate multiple physiological processes, including vascular tone, blood flow, and inflammatory responses. They sense and respond to hemodynamic forces, such as shear stress, and release vasoactive factors like nitric oxide (NO) to modulate vascular resistance. CAECs also maintain a selective barrier to control molecule transport and prevent thrombosis.