Pericytes are the main cellular components of tiny arteries and capillaries.Studies have found that pericytes can undergo morphological contraction or relaxation under stimulation by cytokines,thus affecting the contr...Pericytes are the main cellular components of tiny arteries and capillaries.Studies have found that pericytes can undergo morphological contraction or relaxation under stimulation by cytokines,thus affecting the contraction and relaxation of microvessels and playing an essential role in regulating vascular microcirculation.Moreover,due to the characteristics of stem cells,pericytes can differentiate into a variety of inflammatory cell phenotypes,which then affect the immune function.Additionally,pericytes can also participate in angiogenesis and wound healing by interacting with endothelial cells in vascular microcirculation disorders.Here we review the origin,biological phenotype and function of pericytes,and discuss the potential mechanisms of pericytes in vascular microcirculation disorders,especially in pulmonary hypertension,so as to provide a sound basis and direction for the prevention and treatment of vascular microcirculation diseases.展开更多
基金Program of Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities,Grant/Award Number:22120220562Program of Natural Science Foundation of Shanghai,Grant/Award Number:201409004100 and 21ZR1453800+1 种基金Three Year Action Plan to Promote Clinical Skills and Clinical Innovation in Municipal Hospitals,Grant/Award Number:SHDC2020CR6016-002 and SHDC2020CR4021Program of Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital,Grant/Award Number:fkzr2320 and FKLY20005。
文摘Pericytes are the main cellular components of tiny arteries and capillaries.Studies have found that pericytes can undergo morphological contraction or relaxation under stimulation by cytokines,thus affecting the contraction and relaxation of microvessels and playing an essential role in regulating vascular microcirculation.Moreover,due to the characteristics of stem cells,pericytes can differentiate into a variety of inflammatory cell phenotypes,which then affect the immune function.Additionally,pericytes can also participate in angiogenesis and wound healing by interacting with endothelial cells in vascular microcirculation disorders.Here we review the origin,biological phenotype and function of pericytes,and discuss the potential mechanisms of pericytes in vascular microcirculation disorders,especially in pulmonary hypertension,so as to provide a sound basis and direction for the prevention and treatment of vascular microcirculation diseases.
