Pericyte-Derived Sphinogosine 1-Phosphate Induces the Expression of Adhesion Proteins and Modulates the Retinal Endothelial Cell Barrier

Abstract

Under normal circumstances, the retinal vascular pericytes maintain pericyte-endothelial contacts and vascular barrier function through the secretion of sphingosine 1-phosphate. Alteration of pericyte-derived sphingosine 1-phosphate production may be an important mechanism in the development of diseases characterized by vascular dysfunction and increased permeability.