Peritsüütide

Peritsüütide, also known as pericytes, are specialized cells found in the walls of capillaries and venules. They are mesenchymal stem cells that surround endothelial cells, forming a cellular layer outside the basement membrane. This close association with blood vessels is key to their function.

Pericytes play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and stability of the microvasculature. They contribute to the structural support of capillaries, helping to regulate their diameter and blood flow. Through their contractile properties, pericytes can influence blood vessel tone and permeability, affecting the exchange of substances between the blood and surrounding tissues.

Beyond their structural and regulatory roles, pericytes are also involved in various physiological processes. They participate in angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, and in wound healing. Furthermore, pericytes have been shown to have immunomodulatory functions and are important in the blood-brain barrier. Their ability to differentiate into other cell types also positions them as relevant in regenerative medicine. The study of pericytes is an active area of research, with ongoing investigations into their roles in health and disease, including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.