RT Journal Article
T1 Structural analysis of endothelial projections from mesenteric arteries
A1 Maarouf, Nadia
A1 Sancho González, María
A1 Fürstenhaupt, Tobias
A1 Tran, Cam Ha
A1 Welsh, Donald G.
AB ObjectiveEndothelial and smooth muscle cells must communicate with one another to regulate arterial diameter. A key structure driving heterocellular communication is the endothelial projection, a thin extension that crosses the internal elastic lamina (IEL) making contact with smooth muscle. This study sought to define the precise structural composition of endothelial projections in the mesenteric circulation.MethodsThird‐ and fourth‐order mesenteric arteries from hamster were prepared for electron microscopy. Electron tomographic approaches were used to generate 3‐D compositional models of endothelial projections.ResultsEndothelial projections were categorized based upon their proximity to smooth muscle or how many projections projected through an IEL hole. Irrespective of the initial categorization, endothelial projections were largely devoid of organelles except for sparse membranous structures observed near the tip, close to potential smooth muscle contact sites. Unexpectedly, it was the base of projections which were rich with organelles including the endoplasmic reticulum, ribosomes, vesicles, caveolae, and mitochondria.ConclusionsElectron tomographic techniques suggest that the base of endothelial projections is likely a dynamic site for signal regulation and contractile control. As projections are largely devoid of membranous organelles, their principal function appears to ensure electrical contact between the two cell layers.
PB Wiley
SN 1073-9688
SN 1549-8719
YR 2017
FD 2017-04
LK https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/120866
UL https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/120866
LA eng
NO Maarouf N, Sancho M, Fürstenhaupt T, Tran CH, Welsh DG. Structural analysis of endothelial projections from mesenteric arteries. Microcirculation. 2017 Apr;24(3). doi: 10.1111/micc.12330.
NO Natural Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada
DS Docta Complutense
RD 20 dic 2025