Biology
Endothelial Glycocalyx Degradation in Sepsis
Quick fact
The endothelial glycocalyx is only about 0.5 to 3 micrometers thick, yet it holds your entire blood volume in place. In sepsis, it can be destroyed within hours, leading to massive fluid leakage into tissues.
Why this is interesting
Every blood vessel in your body is lined by a delicate sugar coating that keeps you alive. What happens when your immune system—meant to save you—strips that coating away during a severe infection?