Figure 2.

Vessel wall and glycocalyx. EC are in close proximity to smooth muscle cells (SMC) and pericytes, which, via mediators, have a continuous cross talk. EC are covered on the inner site by the glycocalyx. They expose the tissue factor, which can initiate coagulation. The receptors involved in leukocyte adhesion, such as the vascular adhesion molecule (VCAM) and intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM), are modulated by cytokines tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukin-1 (IL-1), interferon γ (IFNγ). The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and receptor VEGFR-2 induce VE-cadherin phosphorylation and junction opening.