Telocytes and pathological histogenesis

The ultramicroscopic structure of telocytes and their role in various pathologies were considered based on the analysis of scientific materials contained in eLibrary.Ru, The Russian National Library, and PubMed. Telocytes are cells of mesodermal, origin which are part of polydifferon loose connective tissue. Characteristically, they have long processes called telopods, which form a network by connecting them to the surrounding tissue elements. They are also found in the composition of musculoskeletal regenerates and near some tissue stem and progenitor cells. Such an arrangement may be associated with their participation in local metabolic processes. Telocytes are mainly detected on histological preparations by electron microscopy, as well as immunohistochemical staining, light microscopy of semifine sections. Telocytes are assumed to be an active regulator of metabolic processes and a participant in pathological histogenesis in circulatory, respiratory, excretory organs, etc. Examples of diseases and pathological conditions associated with telocytes were presented. Most scientific publications are devoted to the study of the role of telocytes in circulatory system disorders. These cells are mainly localized in the connective tissue of the myocardium, located between the blood capillaries near nerve endings. Cell telopodia are often directed to the vasculature and nerve trunks. Researchers considered telocytes in the myocardium as key regulators of intercellular signaling, which has a significant effect on the functioning of the heart and reactive changes in its tissue structures. Further investigations and refinement of the localization and morphofunctional characteristics of this cellular differon under normal physiological conditions and in the presence of a pathological process were performed. Further clarification and refinement of telocyte functions will optimize the development of methods for correcting pathological processes, including using cell therapy.