Pericytes and their role in microvasculature homeostasis.
BACKGROUND
The microvascular pericyte was first described in 1873, though it is a cell that has largely been ignored in the clinical literature. Pericytes are multifunctional, polymorphic, perivascular cells that lie within, and contribute to the production of the microvessel basil lamina.


METHODS
The pericyte is the second cell that comprises the capillary wall, and is in a prime location to be involved with microvascular permeability. The exact sequence of events in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is unknown, though increased permeability (pulmonary edema) is the primary physiological abnormality seen in the early stages. Pericytes are crucial in the development of capillary leak and pulmonary edema seen in ARDS. Pericytes regulate permeability through contractility and apoptosis.


RESULTS
Changes in pericyte contractility alter the physical capillary barrier by opening the endothelial junctional space, and are reversible. Pericyte apoptosis leads to a compromise of the barrier effect of the capillary wall, and is a more permanent change.


CONCLUSIONS
The purpose of this paper is to review publications of pericyte physiological and pathophysiologic interactions in regards to contractility, apoptosis, and permeability.
Edelman
David A
DA
Department of Surgery, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan 48201, USA.
Jiang
Yang
Y
Tyburski
James
J
Wilson
Robert F
RF
Steffes
Christopher
C
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000502:physiology; D002199:Capillary Permeability / Q000502:physiology*; D006706:Homeostasis / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008833:Microcirculation / Q000166:cytology*; D020286:Pericytes / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology*; D051381:Rats; D012128:Respiratory Distress Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology*