Pericyte transplantation improves skeletal muscle recovery following hindlimb immobilization

What is it about?

Extended periods of bed rest and limb immobilization are required for healing post-injury or disease, yet such disuse can result in significant losses of muscle mass and function. Physical rehabilitation is standard practice following a period of disuse, yet recovery is commonly delayed or incomplete. Thus, a novel approach toward recovery of muscle mass is highly desired. Our submitted manuscript provides the first demonstration that pericytes, or vascular mural cells, are decreased in quantity during a period of immobilization, and that exogenous pericyte transplantation can effectively recover muscle loss due to disuse.

Featured Image