contractile cell supporting cell pericyte ARC Pericytes are CD10-positive, CD13-positive, CD31-negative, CD45-negative, CD106-positive, CD117-negative, CD140-positive, CD144-negative, CD146-positive, CD271-positive, CD325-positive, NG2-positive, RGS5-positive, SMA-positive, and desmin-positive. A subpopulation is CD248-positive. They are also capable of producing angiopoietin 1, CXCL12, TGF-beta, and VEGF-A. Pericytes, also known as Rouget cells, are a type of cell embedded in the wall of small blood vessels such as capillaries and venules. Not only do these cells share a basement membrane with endothelial cells, but they also have a direct physical contact with them, forming the blood-brain and blood-retinal barrier. They are an essential component of the neurovascular unit, a structure critical for maintaining brain homeostasis and a consistent neural microenvironment. Pericytes play a crucial role in the regulation of microvascular blood flow and permeability. They dynamically respond to changes in blood flow and can relax or contract like smooth muscle cells, thereby controlling capillary diameter and blood flow to the tissues. Moreover, pericytes contribute significantly to the regulation of endothelial cell proliferation and migration, implying their vital role in angiogenesis and the stability of blood vessels. Their ability to differentiate into multiple cell types, including fibroblasts, macrophages, and smooth muscle cells, reveals their importance in tissue repair and remodeling. Furthermore, pericytes have demonstrated functions in regulating immune and inflammatory responses. Pericytes also collaborate with endothelial cells in preserving the integrity of the blood-brain barrier, thus protecting the central nervous system from potential damage due to harmful substances and pathogens. (This extended description was generated by ChatGPT and reviewed by the CellGuide team, who added references, and by the CL editors, who approved it for inclusion in CL. It may contain information that applies only to some subtypes and species, and so should not be considered definitional.) pericyte cell pericyte of Rouget ZFA:0009112 adventitial reticular cell BTO:0002441 cell of Rouget An elongated, contractile cell found wrapped about precapillary arterioles outside the basement membrane. Pericytes are present in capillaries where proper adventitia and muscle layer are missing (thus distingushing this cell type from adventitial cells). They are relatively undifferentiated and may become fibroblasts, macrophages, or smooth muscle cells. FMA:63174 adventitial cell https://cellxgene.cziscience.com/cellguide/CL_0000669 connective tissue cell mural cell Homo sapiens