Endothelial cells protect against lipopolysaccharide-induced caspase-3–mediated pericyte apoptosis in a coculture system

Cytokine Production in Lipopolysaccharide-exposed Rat Lung Pericytes

“…We have previously reported that microvascular lung pericytes exposed to LPS undergo apoptosis involving the caspase-3 pathway. 23 When pericytes were grown in coculture with endothelial cells, lower levels of apoptotic proteins were detected.…”

TNF-α and IL-1β Increase Pericyte/Endothelial Cell Co-Culture Permeability

“…These types of contacts allow for the transfer of molecules, suggesting that these cells are capable of communicating and coordinating activities [3]. We have previously shown that the presence of endothelial cells decreases apoptosis in PC exposed to lipopolysaccharide [16].…”

Pericytes and Their Role in Microvasculature Homeostasis

“…The one study using microvasculature lung pericytes showed pericytes exposed to LPS undergo apoptosis [31]. In fact, pericytes demonstrated higher detection of apoptosis related fragments than either endothelial cell alone or pericytes in coculture when exposed to LPS.…”