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Figure 1: Structure of glycocalyx: the backbone

molecules, glycoproteins and proteoglycans; GAG
chains linked to core proteins; soluble molecules
derived from plasma or endothelium bound to
proteoglycans; intertwined HA molecules; sheltered
adhesive molecules.
Figure 2: Summary of methods which are currently
used in direct or indirect visualization of
glycocalyx in vivo and in vitro. Confocal laser
scanning microscopy (CLSM), two-photon laser
scanning microscopy (TPLSM), transmission
electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force
microscopy (AFM), intravital microscopy (IM),
microparticle image velocimetry (-PIV),
orthogonal polarization spectral imaging (OPS), and
side-stream dark field imaging (SDF).
Figure 3: Overview of alternated glycocalyx
functions as a result of its shedding which could
lead to pathological states connected with various
diseases. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs),
reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROSs/RNSs),
and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-).

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