The endothelium is the primary regulator of microvascular permeability whilst fulfilling other functions by controlling coagulation, inflammation and vascular tone. The glycocalyx covers the luminal side of the endothelia and is an important contributor to the endothelia function. The glomerulus is a highly specialised microcirculation in which the capillary wall, including the endothelium, is uniquely adapted to function as a biological sieve and filters 180 litres of plasma every day. This sieving action of the glomerular capillary is highly efficient and selective: allowing free flow of water and small solutes and highly restrictive to passage of proteins. Alterations in this functions leads to proteinuria and heralds the onset of disease. The glomerular endothelial cells possess transcellular pores or fenestrations to facilitate high hydraulic permeability and like all endothelia, also possess a glycocalyx layer that covers both fenestral, and non-fenestral domains. Unlike the endothelial glycocalyx in systemic vessels, the glomerular endothelial glycocalyx has not been subjected to detailed and direct scientific scrutiny. The aim of this thesis is to examine the role of glomerular endothelial glycocalyx as a barrier to the passage of protein.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:497585 |
| Date | January 2009 |
| Creators | Singh, Anurag |
| Publisher | University of Exeter |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
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