Mechanisms of the "No-Reflow" Phenomenon After Acute Myocardial Infarction: Potential Role of Pericytes

Pericytes contract during myocardial ischemia resulting in capillary constriction and no reflow. Reversing pericyte contraction pharmacologically reduces no reflow and infarct size. These findings open up an entire new venue of research aimed at altering pericyte function in myocardial ischemia and infarction.