If the endothelial glycocalyx is degraded, what is a likely vascular consequence?

• A. Increased vascular permeability
• B. Decreased permeability
• C. Increased blood viscosity
• D. Decreased blood flow

Answer: (A)

The endothelial glycocalyx acts as a protective, gel-like barrier on the inner lining of blood vessels that helps regulate what passes from the bloodstream into surrounding tissue. When this layer is degraded, the barrier function is lost, so water and plasma proteins can leak more easily through the vessel wall. This increased leakiness raises vascular permeability and can lead to edema as fluid shifts into the interstitial space.

The other options don’t fit as the primary consequence. Decreased permeability isn’t expected when the glycocalyx is damaged; viscosity isn’t directly dictated by glycocalyx integrity, and while severe barrier disruption can affect flow, the immediate and most direct outcome of glycocalyx degradation is increased permeability.