An endothelial cell that lines the blood and lymphatic vessels of the digestive tract. This cell forms the gut–vascular barrier (GVB) through tight junctions and crosstalk with pericytes and enteric glial cells, regulating the passage of nutrients and immune cells while restricting microbial translocation into the bloodstream.
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dct:description
Gut endothelial cells are a crucial component of the endothelium, a thin layer of single cells that line the interior surface of blood vessels and lymphatic vessels, including those in the digestive system or "gut". These cells plays an integral role in various physiological and metabolic functions, actively participating in nutrient absorption, host defense, and vascular homeostasis in the gut.
The primary function of gut endothelial cells lies in their ability to control the passage of materials and the transit of white blood cells into and out of the bloodstream. They achieve this through the formation of a semi-permeable barrier, in which permeability is regulated by tight junctions; complex structures that bring the cells together, sealing the space between them. This ensures a controlled, selective passage of nutrients, ions, and water from the bloodstream into the gut and vice versa, helping maintain homeostasis and overall health.
Gut endothelial cells also play a significant role in angiogenesis and serve as a critical regulator of the gut immune responses playing a modulative role in gut immune homeostasis and inflammatory responses. In addition, they generate nitric oxide, a potent vasodilator, which helps in maintaining vascular tonus, preventing platelet and leukocyte adhesion, and decreasing smooth muscle proliferation. These multi-faceted roles make gut endothelial cells indispensable for the normal functioning of the gut and overall health.
(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.)
An endothelial cell that lines the blood and lymphatic vessels of the digestive tract. This cell forms the gut–vascular barrier (GVB) through tight junctions and crosstalk with pericytes and enteric glial cells, regulating the passage of nutrients and immune cells while restricting microbial translocation into the bloodstream.
