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| Lines of research |
(Implications of the Endothelial Cell Glycocalyx for Vascular Function) |
Arterial structure
Biofluid mechanics of coronary artery disease
Small blood vessels
Glycocalix |
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Contact between blood and the luminal endothelial cell surface of the vascular system is mediated by the endothelial cell glycocalyx, an extended hydrated mesh of negatively charged proteoglycans that is intimately related to vascular function by its ability to specifically interact with a great number of cardiovascular proteins and enzymes. Although the early pathogenesis of atherosclerotic vascular disease is evidently associated with loss of proteoglycans from the endothelial cell glycocalyx, studies on its implications for vascular function have been hampered by the biochemical complexity of proteoglycan structure-function relations and technical limitations to measure glycocalyx dimension during health and disease. |
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The research program aims to study the contribution of the glycocalyx to
1. the localization and activity of proteins and enzymes on the surface of vascular endothelial cells,
2. the permselective exchange barrier of the vascular wall that prevents loss of fluid and proteins from blood to tissue,
3. the anti-adhesive properties of the inner surface of blood vessels, and
4. macro- and microvascular control of organ perfusion during health and cardiovascular disease. |
Contact
Dr. H. Vink
Prof.Dr.Ir.J.A.E.Spaan
Key Publications
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A wide range of experimental techniques are employed to achieve these aims, including:
1. biochemical assays to measure the activity and binding of proteins to cultered cells,
2. 3D reconstruction of vessel images obtained with conventional and confocal fluorescencence microscopy,
3. in vivo microscopic observation of the interaction of blood cells with the vascular wall and regulation of microvascular perfusion, and
4. electron microscopy of the glycocalyx in small and large coronary vessels together with measurements of the regulation of myocardial blood flow. |
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Cardio Vascular Physics
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