Vascular endothelial barrier (VEB) (VEB)

The vascular endothelial barrier is a specialized semi-permeable interface composed of endothelial cells, the glycocalyx, and intercellular junctions such as tight junctions and adherens junctions. It serves as the primary regulator of fluid, solute, and leukocyte exchange between the intravascular and extravascular compartments, maintaining tissue homeostasis (Source: NIH, PMID: 21135165). In pathological states like sepsis, inflammation, and cancer, the barrier becomes compromised, leading to excessive vascular leakage, edema, and impaired organ function (Source: Nature Reviews Cardiology, PMID: 31267063). Therapeutic interventions aim to restore or protect barrier integrity by inhibiting permeability-inducing factors like Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) or by activating stabilizing pathways such as the Angiopoietin-1/Tie2 and Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) axes (Source: PubMed, PMID: 25614315). While effective in treating conditions like diabetic macular edema and certain cancers, modulating this barrier requires careful management of potential side effects, including systemic hypertension and impaired physiological wound healing (Source: FDA, Bevacizumab Labeling). This target represents a critical focus for drug development in critical care and ophthalmology.

Other names

Endothelial barrierVascular permeability barrierBlood-vessel barrierEndothelial semi-permeable membrane

Stabilization of endothelial cell-cell junctions and inhibition of paracellular and transcellular permeability pathways.