Diversity in unity: The biochemical composition of the endothelial cell surface varies between the vascular beds

Abstract

The vascular endothelium represents a population of squamous epithelial cells characterized by a particular histological localization (intima of blood vessels) and by several physiological functions such as the transport of substances between blood and tissues, the modulation of the vascular tone, the control of blood coagulation and that of the leukocyte extravasation. In spite of all these elements in common and of an identical embryonic origin, endothelial cells show definite morphological and physiological variations that divide them into types and subtypes, each specifically associated to various categories of organs. Even within the vasculature of the same organ, there are clear segmental (arterial/capillary/venous) differentiations of the endothelial cells. While the morphological and physiological differences between endothelial cells are well documented, there are very few data on the biochemistry underlying this heterogeneity. This work presents several data suggesting that, at present, the domain is ripe for a comprehensive analysis of this biochemical diversity, at least in what concerns the luminal aspect of the endothelial plasmalemma, a compartment of crucial importance in the biology and pathology of the cardiovascular system.

Different expression of MMPs/TIMP-1 in human atherosclerotic lesions. Relation to plaque features and vascular bed

“…Blood vessels have long been known to have many organ-specific properties [29], which might partially explain the regional differences in atherosclerotic lesions. The diversity of cell functions may be important in physiology and pathophysiology, allowing different responses within or between vascular beds [30]. As to whether high MMP-9 (gelatinase B) expression could determine a different evolution of the atheroslerotic lesion in the carotid territory in relation to other peripheral atherosclerotic-prone sites is unknown at present.…”

Characterisation of glucose transporters in the intact coronary artery endothelium in rats: GLUT-2 upregulated by long-term hyperglycaemia

“…The integrity of endothelial cells of small contractile vessels is also affected by hyperglycaemia, and the coronary arteries are among the most susceptible to atheroma, but few studies have directly examined glucose transporters in these vessels [6]. Despite having the same embryonic origin, there is a strong heterogeneity between endothelial cells of different vascular beds, and even those within the same vascular bed are known to have morphological, physiological and biochemical differences [10,11]. Data derived from one vascular bed may not be applicable to the rest of the vasculature.…”

Glomerular Endothelial Glycocalyx Constitutes a Barrier to Protein Permeability

“…[5][6][7] The characteristic fenestrated phenotype of GEnC, along with increasing evidence of heterogeneity in endothelial behavior derived from different species and organs, indicates that it is vital to conduct these experiments in human GEnC. 8,9 Historically, GEnC have been difficult to study in culture because of their poor replicative potential leading to early senescence, in addition to nonavailability of representative GEnC lines. We have addressed this problem successfully by generating a conditionally immortalized (Ci) human GEnC line the behavior of which is comparable with primary culture GEnC, including the expression of fenestrations.…”