Open AccessThe Endothelial Glycocalyx
Author(s) -
Stephen R. Collins,
Randal S. Blank,
Lindy S. Deatherage,
Randal O. Dull
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
anesthesia and analgesia/anesthesia and analgesia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.404
H-Index - 201
eISSN - 1526-7598
pISSN - 0003-2999
DOI - 10.1213/ane.0b013e3182975b85
Subject(s) - glycocalyx , medicine , vascular permeability , endothelium , pulmonary edema , homeostasis , mediator , microbiology and biotechnology , edema , lung , pathology , immunology , biology
The endothelial glycocalyx is a dynamic layer of macromolecules at the luminal surface of vascular endothelium that is involved in fluid homeostasis and regulation. Its role in vascular permeability and edema formation is emerging but is still not well understood. In this special article, we highlight key concepts of endothelial dysfunction with regards to the glycocalyx and provide new insights into the glycocalyx as a mediator of processes central to the development of pulmonary edema and lung injury.