Abstract

CARRILLO ESPER, Raúl et al. Glycocalyx. A structure to consider in the critically ill patient. Med. crít. (Col. Mex. Med. Crít.) [online]. 2016, vol.30, n.2, pp.130-136.  Epub Aug 30, 2021. ISSN 2448-8909.

Endothelial cells line the inner portion of the heart, blood vessels, and lymphatic vessels. The apical side of the endothelial cells is the site for glycocalyx, which is a complex network of macromolecules, including cell-bound proteoglycans and sialoproteins. This complex network envelops endothelial cells on their luminal side and inside clefts. The glycocalyx plays a key role in microvascular and endothelial physiology, in particular in regulating microvascular tone and endothelial permeability, maintaining an oncotic gradient across the endothelial barrier, regulating adhesion/migration of leukocytes, and inhibiting intravascular thrombosis. Acting through this mechanism, the glycocalyx contributes to the regulation of the local blood flow of organs and acts as an effector of metabolic coupling between organ function and local hemodynamics. The aim of this paper is to review current concepts related to function and dysfunction of glycocalyx and its impact in the critically ill.

Keywords : Glycocalyx; endothelium; sepsis.

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