Capillary endothelial cell membrane

The capillary endothelial cell membrane is the plasma membrane of endothelial cells that make up the inner lining of capillaries. It provides a selectively permeable barrier controlling the exchange of substances between blood and tissues, is critical for vascular barrier integrity, and hosts numerous molecules involved in junctional complexes—such as VE-cadherin (adherens junctions), tight junctions, integrins, and cell-surface proteins mediating leukocyte adhesion and trafficking. The membrane is involved in angiogenesis, inflammation, and barrier dysfunction under pathological conditions.

Other names

Endothelial cell membrane (capillary)Capillary endothelium

Relevant drug mechanisms act via membrane proteins such as integrins, junctional molecules, or signaling receptors expressed on the membrane.