Figure 1. Diagrammatic representation of the importance of glycocalyx in endothelial function.

(A) The intact glycocalyx shields and isolates endothelial cells from circulating cells, and maintains the normal function of the endothelium. (B) Damage to the glycocalyx exposes the underlying endothelial cells resulting in hyperplasia. In addition, the relatively activated endothelial cells express inflammatory factors, induce the adhesion and infiltration of leukocytes, and cause coagulation. (C) Key for the schematic.