The endothelial glycocalyx in syndecan-1 deficient mice

► We investigate the endothelial glycocalyx in syndecan-1 deficient mice in vivo. ► Analysis of our data consistently revealed a glycocalyx in these mice. ► This glycocalyx is slightly thinner than that observed in wild-type mice. ► Syndecan-1 is not a prerequisite for the existence of a glycocalyx. ► Lack of syndecan-1 may result in changes to glycocalyx structure and function.