intravasação

Intravasation is a term used in biology and medicine to describe the movement of cells or other particles across the endothelial lining of blood vessels or lymphatic vessels. This process is a critical step in the spread of cancer, known as metastasis, where tumor cells invade the bloodstream or lymphatic system to travel to distant sites in the body. Intravasation can also occur with other substances, such as bacteria or foreign bodies, entering the circulatory or lymphatic system from a local infection or injury.

The mechanism of intravasation involves tumor cells or other entities breaking away from the primary site, migrating through the extracellular matrix, and then penetrating the vessel wall. This penetration can be facilitated by enzymes secreted by the cells that degrade the basement membrane and vessel wall, or by mechanical forces. Once inside the vessel, these cells or particles are then transported by the flow of blood or lymph. Understanding intravasation is crucial for developing strategies to prevent or treat the spread of disease. Research focuses on identifying the molecular pathways and cellular behaviors that enable this process, aiming to find ways to block or inhibit it.