Cell-cell interactions in diabetic angiopathy.

Normally, both ECs and mural cells, pericytes in the microvasculature and SMCs in large vessels of the mature vasculature, are under stringent growth control and remain quiescent. Regulation of vascular growth is a complex process that is likely to take place at multiple levels. Evidence indicates that intercellular communication, which may take several forms, including diffusible factors, gap junctions, and CAMs underlies the maintenance of normal vessels. A disruption or imbalance in any of these factors may be responsible for the vascular remodeling associated with macro/microangiopathy.