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Morphometric changes in pericyte-capillary endothelial cell associations correlated with vasoactive stimulus
1University of Delaware, School of Life and Health Sciences, Newark 19716.
Microcirculation, Endothelium, and Lymphatics
|April 1, 1990
Summary
Pericytes in eel rete mirabile capillaries contract in response to vasoactive agents. This pericyte contraction alters capillary structure, affecting blood flow and permeability.
Area of Science:
- Vascular biology
- Cellular physiology
Background:
- The eel rete mirabile is a complex vascular network.
- Pericytes are cells that surround capillaries and play a role in vascular stability and function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of pericytes in regulating capillary architecture and permeability in the eel rete mirabile.
- To quantify the effects of vasoactive agents on pericyte morphology and capillary function.
Main Methods:
- Perfusion of vasoactive agents through eel rete mirabile capillaries.
- Measurement of changes in capillary outflow volume.
- Morphometric analysis of capillary and pericyte ultrastructure.
Main Results:
- Vasoactive agents induced changes in pericyte morphology, specifically the extension of their processes.
- Alterations in capillary flow and appearance were correlated with changes in pericyte structure.
- Pericyte contraction was identified as a key factor in modifying capillary architecture.
Conclusions:
- Arterial pericytes in the eel rete mirabile respond to vasoactive agents by altering capillary architecture.
- Pericyte-mediated changes in capillary structure influence vascular permeability.
- These findings highlight the dynamic role of pericytes in regulating microvascular function.