Opposing Effects of the Angiopoietins on the Thrombin-Induced Permeability of Human Pulmonary Microvascular Endothelial Cells
2011

Effects of Angiopoietins on Endothelial Cell Permeability

Sample size: 9 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): van der Heijden Melanie, van Nieuw Amerongen Geerten P., van Bezu Jan, Paul Marinus A., Groeneveld A. B. Johan, van Hinsbergh Victor W. M.

Primary Institution: VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Hypothesis

Ang-2 acts as a sensitizer of thrombin-induced hyperpermeability of human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells, opposed by Ang-1.

Conclusion

Ang-1 reduces thrombin-induced permeability, while Ang-2 enhances it, particularly during the initial response.

Supporting Evidence

  • Ang-2 enhanced the initial permeability increase in endothelial cells.
  • Ang-1 preincubation reduced thrombin-induced permeability.
  • The study used a model of human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells.

Takeaway

This study shows that one protein (Ang-2) makes blood vessel walls leakier when they are activated, while another protein (Ang-1) helps keep them strong and less leaky.

Methodology

Permeability was assessed by measuring macromolecule passage and transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) in cultured human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells.

Limitations

The study's findings may not fully represent in vivo conditions due to the use of cultured cells.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.010, 0.021, 0.027, 0.039

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0023448

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication