Abstract
In order to investigate the role of pericytes (PCs) at microvascular level, a PC line from rat epididymal fat pads was isolated and its prostanoid production in culture was further examined. PC cultures were characterized morphologically by phase contrast and electron microscopy. PC prostanoid production was compared with that of a smooth muscle cell (SMC) line isolated from bovine aorta. The same PGI 2 production magnitude was assayed in PC and SMC cultures, but TXA 2 and PGF 2α synthesis was 8–10 times higher in the PC line. At 4-day postconfluence, when PC layers started retraction, prostanoid synthesis was significantly lower than at confluence. Histamine and bradykinin (both 100 nM) acted similarly, increasing the PGI 2 basal production of PC cultures. The results argue for a possible contractile role of PCs at microvascular level.
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