New and active role of the interstitium in control of interstitial fluid pressure: potential therapeutic consequences.
Here we present recent data indicating that the present view of the interstitium as a passive fluid reservoir has to be revised. The connective tissue cells and extracellular matrix have a role in the control of P(if) and a fundamental role in the rapid development of edema in burns and in the initial swelling in inflammation by generating a lowering of interstitial fluid pressure. In this process, the beta1-integrin system seems to provide a common pathway by which the cells can lower as well as raise P(if). Inflammatory swelling can be reversed by endo- and exogenous substances, thereby suggesting that the connective tissue can serve as a novel target for pharmacological intervention. Furthermore, the new knowledge in interstitial physiology on means to reduce interstitial fluid pressure may be of importance for drug delivery into solid tumors, where a high P(if) limits the uptake of therapeutic agents.
Wiig
H
H
Department of Physiology and Locus for Circulatory Research, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway. helge.wiig@fys.uib.no
Rubin
K
K
Reed
R K
RK
D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002196:Capillaries / Q000502:physiology; D004487:Edema / Q000503:physiopathology; D005110:Extracellular Space / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000503:physiopathology; D019012:Integrin beta1 / Q000502:physiology; D011312:Pressure
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D019012:Integrin beta1