TRAFFICKING OF HYALURONAN IN THE INTERSTITIUM AND ITS POSSIBLE IMPLICATIONS

Abstract

The mechanisms underlying the pathological changes in lymphedematous tissue are farfrom clear, and it is becoming apparent that plasma proteins may not be the only key factorsresponsible for holding water in the interstitium. This review focuses on an “old” macromolecule- hyaluronan (HA) which is one of the major components of the interstitium and has a closerelationship with the lymphatic system. Growing recognition of the multiple functions of thismacromolecule for important physiological and pathological events may be helpful in identifyingthe crucial changes in tissues subjected to lymphatic circulation insufficiency and ultimately inthe search for rational therapeutic approaches to prevent or reverse these tissues changes.