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.
Synonyms: ARC pericyte cell of Rouget adventitial reticular cell pericyte of Rouget
Term information
- FMA:63174
- BTO:0002441
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.