Mesenteric microcirculation

The mesenteric microcirculation consists of small arteries (arterioles), capillaries, and venules within the mesentery that supply the gastrointestinal tract[1][3]. This network facilitates the exchange of gases, nutrients, waste, and immune cells between blood and intestinal tissue and is integral to maintaining intestinal and systemic homeostasis. Dysfunction of the mesenteric microcirculation, often through inflammation, ischemia, or sepsis, leads to compromised blood flow and oxygen delivery, increased leukocyte adhesion/rolling, breakdown of the endothelial barrier, and can contribute to multi-organ dysfunction or failure[1][6]. While specific molecules within this network (such as adhesion molecules or endothelial receptors) may be drug targets, "mesenteric microcirculation" as a whole is a physiological structure, not a druggable target by itself[1][3][6].

Other names

Mesenteric microvasculatureMesenteric microvesselsMesenteric capillary network

Improvement of microvascular perfusion (e.g., via inhibition of leukocyte adhesion, improvement of endothelial function, vasodilation)