Esophageal Microvascular Endothelial Cells (EMEC)

The esophagus is a hollow tubular organ whose wall comprises a mucosa or epithelium, submucosa, muscle and adventitia. Vascular endothelial cells, which are composed of a layer of flat cells, between blood and blood vessels. Vascular endothelial cells play a role in the maintenance of vascular tone and to maintain blood flow and vascular long-term patency.They are diverse and have specific characteristics and functions in different organs and tissues.

Recent research acidic pH exposure protects esophageal microvascular endothelial cells (EMEC) through induction of Hsps and activation of MAPK and PI3 kinase pathway. Acidic exposure increased EMEC expression of VCAM-1 protein, but not ICAM-1, which may contribute to selective leukocyte recruitment in esophagitis. Activation of esophageal endothelial cells exposed to acidic refluxate may contribute to GERD in the setting of a disturbed mucosal squamous epithelial barrier.