Capillary membrane integrity maintenance

"Capillary membrane integrity maintenance" is not a specific molecule or receptor but rather describes a physiological process involving multiple cellular and molecular components that preserve the structural and functional barrier properties of capillaries. This includes endothelial cells forming tight junctions, pericytes supporting vessel stability, basement membrane proteins such as collagen IV providing structural support, and—specifically in the lungs—the alveolar–capillary unit with surfactant proteins ensuring efficient gas exchange while preventing fluid leakage.[1][2][3][4] Disruption or loss of this barrier leads to increased permeability with pathological consequences such as edema or impaired organ function. While critical for health and implicated in many diseases when dysfunctional,[1] "capillary membrane integrity maintenance" itself is not a druggable target but rather an emergent property resulting from coordinated action among several molecular targets.

Other names

Maintenance of capillary membrane integrityCapillary barrier functionAlveolar–capillary membrane integrity