A review article: The mysterious pericytes

Blood vessels are composed of two types interacting cells. Endothelial cells form the inner lining vessel wall, and perivascular referred to as pericytes, vascular smooth muscle or mural which envelop surface tube. They also called Rouget after their discoverer, Charles Rouget. Electron-microscope analyses first revealed morphological character pericytes. In general, pericytes possess a cell body with prominent nucleus small content cytoplasm several long processes embracing abluminal endothelium wall. embedded within basement membrane microvessels, is formed by endothelial Pericytes play an integral role in maintenance blood–brain barrier well other homeostatic hemostatic functions brain. These key component neurovascular unit, includes cells, astrocytes, neurons. provide variety such capillary blood flow regulation, clearance phagocytosis cellular debris, angiogenesis formation new regulating permeability. Recently, have gained attention functional critical involvement tumor progression. Therefore potential targets for antiangiogenic therapies. complex. Their ontogeny not completely understood, they perform various throughout body. This review article describes current knowledge about nature during growth, maintenance, pathological angiogenesis.