Resumen

CARRILLO ESPER, Raúl et al. Glycocalyx: Structure, Composition, Functions and Factors that Injure it. Rev. Fac. Med. (Méx.) [online]. 2021, vol.64, n.6, pp.45-54.  Epub 03-Feb-2022. ISSN 2448-4865.  https://doi.org/10.22201/fm.24484865e.2021.64.6.06.

The endothelial glycocalyx, is a structure first described in 1966 by Luft J. H. It is dynamic and covers the vascular endothelium. It is rich in carbohydrates, specifically proteoglycans, glycosaminoglycans and glycoproteins, which are arranged in a network and are synthesized in the endothelial cell.

It participates in the maintenance of vascular integrity and plays a fundamental role in the regulation of vascular resistance and permeability, glomerular filtration, macromolecule permeability, maintenance of capillary hematocrit and capillary blood flow, fibrinolysis cascades and vascular coagulation.

Its discovery and study have allowed the revision of the classic Starling principle. It is important for all health personnel to know its structure, composition, functions and factors that trigger its destruction and malfunction, as well as therapeutic targets from a clinical perspective.

Palabras llave : Endothelium; endothelial dysfunction; glycocalyx; proteoglycans.