Ramalli Jr, Edvaldo LuizBraga, Leonardo HenriqueEvora, Patricia Martinez [UNESP]Albuquerque, Agnes Afrodite SumarelliCelotto, Andrea CarlaMota, André LuppEvora, Paulo Roberto Barbosa2014-05-272014-05-272011-07-01Brazilian Journal of Cardiovascular Surgery, v. 26, n. 3, p. 440-446, 2011.0102-76381678-9741http://hdl.handle.net/11449/72538Several studies show that portions of intramyocardial coronary arteries are spared of arteriosclerosis, involving morphological, embryological, biochemical and pathophysiological aspects. Endothelial function is significantly affected in the segment of transition, as estimated by the vasoactive response to Ach. These findings suggest that myocardial bridge can provide protection against arteriosclerosis by counteracting the negative effects of endothelial dysfunction. The intramyocardial portion's protection phenomenon deserves further scientific research on all research fronts. Improved morphological, biomechanical and especially physiological and embryological knowledge may be the key to a future window of opportunity for chronic arterial disease therapy and prevention. In addition, this review discusses possible therapeutic approaches for symptomatic coronary ischemia caused by myocardial bridges.440-446engCoronary circulationEndotheliumMyocardial bridgingACE protein, humandipeptidyl carboxypeptidaseendothelin 1adipose tissuecoronary artery blood flowcoronary artery diseasecoronary blood vesselhistologyhumanmetabolismmyocardial bridgingparacrine signalingpathologypathophysiologyphysiologyprenatal developmentreviewvascular endotheliumAdipose TissueCoronary Artery DiseaseCoronary CirculationCoronary VesselsEndothelin-1Endothelium, VascularHumansMyocardial BridgingParacrine CommunicationPeptidyl-Dipeptidase AArtigo10.5935/1678-9741.20110020Acesso aberto2-s2.0-813551333362-s2.0-81355133336.pdf