Molecular Imaging of Mononuclear Cell Mediated Inflammation: From Histopathological Findings to Clinical Practice

Inflammation is the consequence of capillary dilation following accumulation of fluid and immigration of leukocytes. Endothelium plays a central role in this process by forming a physical dynamic barrier that separates blood from tissue. The maintenance of the endothelial cell barrier involves plasma membrane proteins, cytoskeleton components and several associated signaling molecules, most of which participate in specialised cellular «junction». Tight junctions seal the endothelial cell layer.