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Published on: June 10, 2011
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Sex-Specific Characteristics of the Microcirculation
Virginia H Huxley1, Scott S Kemp2
1Center for Gender Physiology, Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA. huxleyv@health.missouri.edu.
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|July 28, 2018
Summary
Sex differences in microvasculature are subtle yet significant, impacting tissue metabolism and overall health. Understanding these variations is crucial for effective medical interventions, especially during stress or disease.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Vascular Biology
- Sex Differences Research
Background:
- Metabolizing tissues have dynamic needs, requiring a similarly adaptable microvasculature.
- Recognized metabolic differences between sexes suggest potential disparities in microvascular function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on the role of sex in matching metabolic demand with microvascular function.
- To identify areas requiring further investigation regarding sex-based microvascular differences.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on microcirculation constituents and sex-based variations.
- Analysis of studies examining growth, morphology, protein expression, and intracellular signaling in microvasculature.
- Consideration of age as an interacting factor.
Main Results:
- Subtle sex differences exist in microvasculature, affecting phenotype, particularly under stress (e.g., pregnancy, exercise, disease).
- Males and females achieve homeostasis through potentially different microvascular means.
- Age is an independent but interacting factor influencing microvascular sexual dimorphism.
Conclusions:
- Ignoring sex and age in microvascular research hinders the development of targeted interventions.
- Further study is needed to fully elucidate the impact of sex on microvascular function and its clinical implications.
Keywords:
AquaporinArteriolesBarrier functionBlood flow regulationCapillariesCoronary microvascular dysfunctionEndotheliumFibrinolysisFluid homeostasisGlycocalyxHydrostatic pressureHypertensionLymphaticsMicrocirculationMicrovascular networkMyogenic responseOrthostatic intolerancePericytePeripheral resistancePregnancyRarefactionSepsisSex differenceSexual dimorphismSyndecan-1Vascular homeostasisVenules
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