Microvascular circulation

Microvascular circulation encompasses the movement of blood within the smallest vessels (arterioles, capillaries, venules) of an organ’s microvasculature. This system is essential for delivering oxygen and nutrients, removing metabolic waste, regulating vascular resistance, and maintaining tissue homeostasis. Microcirculatory dysfunction contributes to various clinical syndromes, particularly cardiovascular diseases, via mechanisms such as microvascular spasm, impaired perfusion, increased endothelial permeability, glycocalyx degradation, and inflammatory cell plugging. Therapeutic strategies typically target the underlying pathophysiology at the level of endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, or mediators regulating vascular tone and immune responses rather than the microvascular circulation itself.

Other names

Microcirculationmicrovasculaturemicrovessels

Improving microvascular perfusion through vasodilation (e.g., nitric oxide donors) Reducing platelet and leukocyte adhesion (antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs) Protecting the endothelial barrier/glycocalyx Modulating signaling pathways involved in vascular tone (e.g., inhibition of angiotensin II receptor)