Pericyte

Pericytes (also Perizyt ) are cells that bear the outer wall of capillaries. They belong to the connective tissue cells. They tend to shrink and thereby influence the circulation of these vessels.

Capillaries formed by endothelial cells, pericytes which are superposed and the span with extensions the vessel; both of which are connected to each other via gap junctions. Pericytes stabilize the capillary structure and play an important role in the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis ).

It is believed that damage of pericytes of the capillaries leads to destabilization and the formation of outgrowths ( aneurysms ) (e.g. in diabetic retinopathy ). In addition, it is speculated that pericytes in the regulation of the blood supply and ischemia in the brain are involved, as they can change capillary diameter by means of contractile proteins (actin ) in their processes. Electrical stimulation, noradrenaline and ATP act as vasoconstrictors, glutamate dilating.