Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 14, 2026

A High Output Method to Isolate Cerebral Pericytes from Mouse
06:49

A High Output Method to Isolate Cerebral Pericytes from Mouse

Published on: January 14, 2020

Pericyte biology and diseases

S Yamagishi1, T Imaizumi

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine III, Kurume University School of Medicine, Japan. shoichi@med.kurume-u.ac.jp

International Journal of Tissue Reactions
|December 24, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Pericytes, crucial cells in microvessels, are vital for maintaining vascular health. Their loss or dysfunction contributes to serious diseases like diabetic retinopathy and atherosclerosis.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Pathophysiology

Background:

  • Microvessels consist of endothelial cells and pericytes.
  • Pericytes, mesodermal cells, partially envelop small vessel endothelial cells.
  • Historically viewed as smooth muscle cell counterparts regulating capillary tone.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review pericyte biology.
  • To explore the pathological role of pericyte loss or dysfunction.
  • To examine pericyte involvement in diabetic retinopathy, atherosclerosis, and tumor angiogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of pericyte biology.
  • Analysis of pericyte function in homeostasis.
  • Examination of pericyte's role in disease pathogenesis.

Main Results:

  • Pericytes are essential for microvascular homeostasis.
  • Pericyte loss or dysfunction is implicated in various disorders.
  • Evidence links pericytes to diabetic retinopathy, atherosclerosis, and tumor angiogenesis.

Conclusions:

  • Pericytes have critical roles beyond capillary tone regulation.
  • Pericyte dysfunction is a key factor in several pathologies.
  • Understanding pericyte biology is vital for treating microvascular diseases.

More Related Videos

Isolation of Type I and Type II Pericytes from Mouse Skeletal Muscles10:07

Isolation of Type I and Type II Pericytes from Mouse Skeletal Muscles

Published on: May 26, 2017

3D Visualization of Retinal Vascular Pericytes in Mice by Immunostaining09:22

3D Visualization of Retinal Vascular Pericytes in Mice by Immunostaining

Published on: November 1, 2024

Related Concept Videos

EPS and iPS Cells in Disease Research01:21

EPS and iPS Cells in Disease Research

Embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells are excellent models for disease research because of their ability to self-renew and differentiate into most cell types. Somatic cells from a patient are isolated and reprogrammed into induced pluripotent stem cells or iPSCs. These iPSCs are later differentiated into the desired cell type, which mirrors the diseased cell of the patient. In this way, disease models have been created for investigating diseases such as Down syndrome, type I diabetes,...
Diabetic Retinopathy01:27

Diabetic Retinopathy

DefinitionDiabetic retinopathy is a microvascular complication of diabetes affecting the retinal blood vessels.Risk FactorsDiabetic retinopathy is present in almost all individuals with type 1 diabetes and more than 60% of those with type 2 diabetes after two decades of disease.The risk increases with poor glycemic control, hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, pregnancy, and puberty.Although cataracts and glaucoma are also more frequent in people with diabetes, retinopathy remains the leading...
Cirrhosis II: Pathophysiology01:24

Cirrhosis II: Pathophysiology

Cirrhosis is a progressive chronic liver injury caused by prolonged inflammation, excessive fibrotic remodeling, and impaired regeneration. Over time, repeated hepatic insults disrupt the liver’s architecture and function, leading to reduced blood flow, impaired bile drainage, and diminished metabolic capacity.Pathophysiology of cirrhosisCirrhosis arises from three main responses to chronic liver damage: inflammation, immune activation, and hepatocyte death. These processes lead to structural...
iPS Cell Differentiation01:22

iPS Cell Differentiation

The ability of induced pluripotent stem cells or iPSCs to differentiate into most body cell types has stimulated repair and regenerative medicine research over the past few decades. iPSC-derived blood cells, hepatocytes, beta islet cells, cardiomyocytes, neurons, and other cell types can repair injuries or regenerate damaged tissue in diseases such as diabetes and neurodegenerative disorders.
Capillaries and Their Types01:20

Capillaries and Their Types

Capillaries, a crucial constituent of the circulatory system, are diminutive vessels with a diameter between 5–10 micrometers, accommodating perfusion to the tissues through the phenomenon known as microcirculation. Through their permeable walls, consisting of an endothelial layer ensconced by a basement membrane and sporadically dispersed smooth muscle fibers, the exchange of substances between the blood and the interstitial fluid becomes plausible. Variance in wall composition exists, with...
Pericarditis I: Introduction01:22

Pericarditis I: Introduction

Pericarditis is defined as the inflammation of the pericardium, the thin, sac-like membrane surrounding the heart. This condition can cause significant chest pain and other symptoms, often necessitating medical intervention. The pericardium has two layers: the inner visceral layer and the outer parietal layer, separated by a small amount of fluid that reduces friction during heartbeats.Types of PericarditisPericarditis can be classified into several types based on the duration and nature of the...