Control of angiogenesis by the pericyte: molecular mechanisms and significance.
The microvasculature consists of endothelial cells (EC) with albuminally located pericytes. A number of clinical and experimental observations suggest that pericytes contribute to the regulation of microvascular growth and function. EC and pericytes appear to have a variety of means whereby they may influence one another, including soluble growth factors, gap junctions and adhesion molecules, to name a few. Co-culture systems have provided a good deal of evidence to support the concept that these two cells interact and that these communications are central to vessel assembly, growth control and normal function.
Hirschi
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Laboratory for Surgical Research, Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
D'Amore
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PA
D000818:Animals; D002196:Capillaries / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology*; D018920:Coculture Techniques; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000502:physiology*; D017629:Gap Junctions / Q000502:physiology; D006131:Growth Inhibitors / Q000502:physiology; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000502:physiology; D006706:Homeostasis; D006801:Humans; D016023:Integrins / Q000502:physiology; D008833:Microcirculation / Q000502:physiology*; D008955:Models, Cardiovascular; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic
D006131:Growth Inhibitors; D006133:Growth Substances; D016023:Integrins