Résumé
Vesiculation is a common cellular process by which cells communicate. Depending on their cellular origin, mode of formation, release, and size, the nature of microvesicles (microparticles or exosomes) differs in their composition as well as in the biological information that they can transfer between cells. On the one hand, microvesicles released from different vascular cells can induce beneficial effects, such as repair of injured tissue, favoring angiogenesis. On the other hand, levels of microvesicles are enhanced in many pathologies associated with an increased oxidative stress and this has been associated with deleterious effects on cells from the vascular wall, especially endothelial cells. This chapter focuses on the implications of oxidative stress on the formation and release of microvesicles, and also discusses the paradoxical roles of microvesicles with respect to oxidative stress related to their concentration and origin.