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Heterogeneity of pericyte populations in equine skeletal muscle and dermal microvessels: a quantitative study.
Abstract: The objective of this ultrastructural investigation was to determine if populations of pericytes in equine dermal and skeletal muscle capillaries increase in a head-to-foot direction, as has been reported in human skeletal muscles. Samples of equine microvessels were obtained from the longissimus dorsi skeletal muscle 150 cm. from the ground, from the dermis above this muscle, from the extensor carpi radiali muscle at 55 cm. from the ground, from the dermis adjacent to that muscle, and from dermis 15 cm. from the ground, just above the hoof wall. Tissues were processed for transmission electron microscopy. Electron micrographs were analyzed with a digitizing tablet and computer, to determine the ratios of endothelial cell outer circumference and pericyte inner lengths. Pericytes were separated into two classes; those closest to the endothelial cells were defined as covering capillaries. Those separated from endothelial cells by another layer of pericytes were termed enveloping pericytes. There was much greater coverage and envelopment of dermal capillaries (85% and 135%) than skeletal muscle capillaries (27% and 31%). Regression analysis of the pericyte coverage and envelopment of dermal capillaries revealed a significant increase in pericytes toward the ground. Similarly, the two skeletal muscle tissues differed significantly in their pericyte coverage and envelopment (25/27% at 150 cm., 31/35 at 55 cm.). The data indicate that, as in humans, capillary pericytes are not homogeneously distributed within the same tissues, but are more numerous closer to the ground. Differences in pericyte populations could affect studies of microvessel function.
Publication Date: 1994-09-01 PubMed ID: 7864397DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0264.1994.tb00472.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.
The research article investigates whether pericytes, cells surrounding capillaries, in horses’ dermal and skeletal muscle capillaries increase in number from the head to the foot direction, mirroring observations made in humans. The study uses electron microscopy to analyse samples from different heights in the horses’ bodies and concludes that pericyte distribution is not uniform but denser towards the ground. This variability could influence studies of microvessel function.
Research Methodology
- The research was an ultrastructural investigation designed to determine the distribution of pericytes in equine microvessels.
- Equine microvessel samples were collected from specific locations of the horses’ bodies, ranging from the neck region to the area above the hoof.
- These samples were then processed for transmission electron microscopy, a technique that enables researchers to examine subcellular structures in detail.
- The resulting electron micrographs were digitized and analyzed using a tablet and computer.
Data Analysis
- The analysis focused on determining the ratios of endothelial cell outer circumference to pericyte inner lengths.
- Pericytes were segregated into two categories: ‘covering pericytes’, which are closest to the endothelial cells, and ‘enveloping pericytes’, which are separated from endothelial cells by another layer of pericytes.
- The analysis revealed a greater coverage and envelopment of pericytes in dermal capillaries than skeletal muscle capillaries.
- A regression analysis showed a significant increase in pericytes towards the ground.
Results and Implications
- The research revealed significant differences in the pericyte coverage and envelopment between the two skeletal muscle tissues examined. Specifically, the numbers were higher at 55 cm from the ground, compared to 150 cm from the ground.
- Providing similar observations to humans, pericytes in horses are more densely distributed near the ground.
- The differences in pericyte populations could potentially affect the outcomes and validity of microvessel function studies, implying the need for researchers to consider these variances in future studies.
Cite This Article
APA
Sims D, Horne MM, Creighan M, Donald A.
(1994).
Heterogeneity of pericyte populations in equine skeletal muscle and dermal microvessels: a quantitative study.
Anat Histol Embryol, 23(3), 232-238.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0264.1994.tb00472.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Canada.
MeSH Terms
- Analysis of Variance
- Animals
- Capillaries / cytology
- Capillaries / ultrastructure
- Horses / anatomy & histology
- Linear Models
- Male
- Microcirculation
- Microscopy, Electron
- Muscle, Skeletal / blood supply
- Skin / blood supply
Citations
This article has been cited 7 times.- Kaul S, Methner C, Mishra A. The role of pericytes in hyperemia-induced capillary de-recruitment following stenosis. Curr Tissue Microenviron Rep 2020 Dec;1(4):163-169.
- Girolamo F, de Trizio I, Errede M, Longo G, d'Amati A, Virgintino D. Neural crest cell-derived pericytes act as pro-angiogenic cells in human neocortex development and gliomas. Fluids Barriers CNS 2021 Mar 20;18(1):14.
- Kimura S, Harashima H. Current Status and Challenges Associated with CNS-Targeted Gene Delivery across the BBB. Pharmaceutics 2020 Dec 15;12(12).
- Guan YN, Li Y, Roosan M, Jing Q. Single-cell transcriptomics of murine mural cells reveals cellular heterogeneity. Sci China Life Sci 2021 Jul;64(7):1077-1086.
- Birbrair A, Zhang T, Wang ZM, Messi ML, Enikolopov GN, Mintz A, Delbono O. Role of pericytes in skeletal muscle regeneration and fat accumulation. Stem Cells Dev 2013 Aug 15;22(16):2298-314.
- Dubuc V, Lepault E, Theoret CL. Endothelial cell hypertrophy is associated with microvascular occlusion in horse wounds. Can J Vet Res 2006 Jul;70(3):206-10.
- Sharma S, Agashe A, Hill JC, Ganguly K, Sharma P, Richards TD, Huang W, Kaczorowski DJ, Sanchez PG, Kapania R, Phillippi JA, Nain AS. Mechanical cues guide the formation and patterning of 3D spheroids in fibrous environments. PNAS Nexus 2025 Sep;4(9):pgaf263.
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