The consequences of pericyte loss are profound and include: - Increased Vascular Permeability: Leads to leakage of plasma components into surrounding tissues. - Blood-Brain Barrier Breakdown: Facilitates entry of neurotoxic substances into the brain, contributing to neurodegenerative diseases. - Microaneurysms: Weakening of vessel walls can lead to the formation of microaneurysms, especially in diabetic retinopathy. - Impaired Wound Healing: Pericytes are involved in angiogenesis and tissue repair, so their loss can impede wound healing processes.
