The Substructure of the Endothelial Glycocalyx in Rat Aorta and Its Interaction with the Low-Density Lipoproteins.

ABSTRACT: The influx and retention of the low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) in the subendothelial space are one of the early events of atherosclerosis. Initially, LDLs must traverse the endothelial glycocalyx, which is increasingly recognized for its critical role in preventing LDL penetration. However, the precise substructure of the glycocalyx and its working mechanism are still unknown. Herein, a well-preserved porous mesh-like glycocalyx at the luminal surface of rat aortas, demonstrated by high-pressure freezing/freeze substitution transmission electron microscopy, shows three subtypes. Mathematical modeling suggests the dense lower glycocalyx (0.2 to 2.9 μm) shows similar arrangement to that reported in microvessels, with the partition coefficient of LDL equaling 0. The other sparse higher one (

SUBMITTER: Kang H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12597546 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature