[Roles of pericytes in the urological and reproductive systems]

Zhonghua Nan Ke Xue. 2014 Dec;20(12):1126-30.
[Article in Chinese]

Abstract

Pericyte, also known as mural cell or Rouget cell, is one of the main cells that make up the wall of capillaries. Pericytes play important roles not only in the maturation, stability, and function maintenance of blood vessels, but also in the growth and development of tissues and organs, wound repair, and other physiological and pathological processes. Researches on the functions of pericytes are mainly concentrated on their multipotency, adjustment of vascular functions, and process of fibrosis, as well as on renal fibrosis, renal blood flow regulation, and glomerular filtration in urology, but are quite insufficient in andrology. This article reviews the location, origin, distribution, morphology, markers, and functions of pericytes, aiming to induce further studies of pericytes in andrology.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Fibrosis / pathology
  • Humans
  • Pericytes / physiology*
  • Urogenital System / cytology*