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Updated: Aug 19, 2026
Assessment of Vascular Tone Responsiveness using Isolated Mesenteric Arteries with a Focus on Modulation by Perivascular Adipose Tissues
Published on: June 3, 2019
Impaired flow-induced dilation in mesenteric resistance arteries from receptor protein tyrosine
Elianne A Koop1, Martijn F B G Gebbink, Terrence E Sweeney
1Department of Medical Oncology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
The transmembrane receptor-like protein tyrosine phosphatase-mu (RPTPmu) is thought to play an important role in cell-cell adhesion-mediated processes. We recently showed that RPTPmu is predominantly expressed in the endothelium of arteries and not in veins. Its involvement in the regulation of endothelial adherens junctions and its specific arterial expression suggest that RPTPmu plays a role in controlling arterial endothelial cell function and vascular tone. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed myogenic responsiveness, flow-induced dilation, and functional integrity of mesenteric resistance arteries from RPTPmu-deficient (RPTPmu(-/-)) mice and from wild-type littermates. Here, we show that cannulated mesenteric arteries from RPTPmu(-/-) mice display significantly decreased flow-induced dilation. In contrast, mechanical properties, myogenic responsiveness, responsiveness to the vasoconstrictors phenylephrine or U-46619, and responsiveness to the endothelium-dependent vasodilators methacholine or bradykinin were similar in both groups. Our results imply that RPTPmu is involved in the mechanotransduction or accessory signaling pathways that control shear stress responses in mesenteric resistance arteries.
Insights
Receptor-like protein tyrosine phosphatase-mu (RPTPmu) deficiency impairs flow-induced dilation in mouse arteries. This suggests RPTPmu is crucial for shear stress responses in the arterial endothelium.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Biology
- Cell Adhesion
- Mechanotransduction
Background:
- Receptor-like protein tyrosine phosphatase-mu (RPTPmu) is involved in cell-cell adhesion.
- RPTPmu is specifically expressed in arterial endothelium, suggesting a role in vascular tone regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of RPTPmu in arterial endothelial cell function.
- To determine RPTPmu's involvement in myogenic responsiveness and flow-induced dilation in mesenteric resistance arteries.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of mesenteric resistance arteries from RPTPmu-deficient (RPTPmu(-/-)) and wild-type mice.
- Assessment of myogenic responsiveness, flow-induced dilation, and responses to vasoactive agents.
Main Results:
- RPTPmu(-/-) mice exhibited significantly decreased flow-induced dilation in mesenteric arteries.
- No significant differences were observed in mechanical properties or responses to vasoconstrictors and vasodilators between groups.
Conclusions:
- RPTPmu plays a critical role in shear stress-induced vasodilation in resistance arteries.
- RPTPmu is likely involved in the mechanotransduction pathways regulating endothelial responses to blood flow.
