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The endothelial surface layer.

A R Pries¹, T W Secomb, P Gaehtgens

¹Dept. of Physiology, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany.

Pflugers Archiv : European Journal of Physiology

|September 28, 2000

Summary

The endothelial surface layer (ESL) is a thick, vital structure lining blood vessels, regulating blood flow and material exchange. This review explores its composition, function, and clinical significance.

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Area of Science:

Biomedical science
Physiology
Vascular biology

Background:

The endothelium's luminal surface features a glycocalyx, approximately tens of nanometers thick.
In vivo studies reveal a much thicker endothelial surface layer (ESL), ranging from 0.5 to over 1 micrometer.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the evidence for the existence of the ESL.
To discuss hypotheses regarding its composition and biophysical properties.
To examine the ESL's relevance to physiological processes and potential clinical implications.

Main Methods:

Review of existing literature and in vivo investigations.
Analysis of electron microscopy data.
Biophysical property assessment.

Main Results:

The ESL is significantly thicker than the glycocalyx, impacting plasma flow.
The ESL acts as a barrier, restricting red blood cell and macromolecular solute movement.
Evidence supports the ESL's critical role in vascular homeostasis.

Conclusions:

The ESL is a crucial, thick layer of the endothelium with significant physiological roles.
Understanding the ESL's composition and properties is key to understanding vascular health.
Further research into the ESL may reveal new clinical applications for vascular diseases.

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