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Shear level influences resistance artery remodeling: wall dimensions, cell density, and eNOS expression.
J L Tuttle1, R D Nachreiner, A S Bhuller
1Department of Surgery, Indiana University Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, USA.
American Journal of Physiology. Heart and Circulatory Physiology
|August 22, 2001
Summary
Arterial wall remodeling and gene expression are significantly influenced by blood flow shear levels. Understanding these shear-dependent changes can help develop targeted therapies for vascular diseases.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Vascular Remodeling
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Shear stimulus affects growth factor expression in cell cultures.
- In vivo effects of shear levels on arterial wall remodeling are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of varying shear levels on arterial wall remodeling in vivo.
- To determine if luminal diameter changes and specific arterial wall layer remodeling events depend on shear levels.
Main Methods:
- Mesenteric arteries were subjected to selective ligations to create shear level variations (50%, 200%, 400% of control).
- Arterial blood flow, wall shear rate, luminal diameter, wall area, cell density, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression were measured.
Main Results:
- Luminal diameters changed dynamically, decreasing in 50% arteries and increasing in 200% and 400% arteries.
- Significant increases in medial and intimal wall areas and cell densities were observed in 400% arteries.
- Endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression positively correlated with shear level.
Conclusions:
- Shear level is a critical factor influencing the rate of luminal expansion and remodeling within arterial wall layers.
- Shear stress directly impacts endothelial gene expression, suggesting a role in vascular adaptation.
- Understanding shear-dependent remodeling can inform therapies for vascular diseases.