Endothelial cells and pericytes in dermal microvasculature

The dermal microvasculature is a specialized vascular network composed of endothelial cells and pericytes that reside within the papillary and reticular dermis. Endothelial cells form the inner lining of the vessels, acting as a selective barrier and regulating the exchange of nutrients, gases, and immune cells between the blood and skin tissue (StatPearls, 2023). Pericytes are mural cells that wrap around the endothelial tubes, providing structural support, regulating capillary blood flow, and contributing to the basement membrane (PubMed, PMID: 31433952). This cellular unit is essential for physiological processes such as thermoregulation and cutaneous wound repair. In pathological states like systemic sclerosis, the microvasculature undergoes significant remodeling, characterized by endothelial apoptosis and the transition of pericytes into myofibroblasts, leading to tissue fibrosis (PubMed, PMID: 33531345). Pharmacological interventions targeting this unit often aim to stabilize vessels or inhibit aberrant signaling pathways, such as those involving VEGF or endothelin-1, to treat conditions ranging from chronic wounds to vascular malformations.

Other names

Dermal microvascular unitSkin microvasculatureDermal capillary loopsCutaneous microvessels

Modulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling, endothelin receptor antagonism, and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) inhibition to regulate vascular tone, permeability, and remodeling.