[Rational utilization of a silicone tube flow chamber system]

The silicone tube flow chamber system has been used to study the effects of wall shear stress and circumferential stress on the cultured vascular endothelial cells (ECs). In solviong the problem of how to precisely simulate the wall shear stress and circumferential stress to which ECs are subjected under physiological conditions, it is very essential to select not only the appropriate geometrical and mechanical characteristic but also the proper preload and after-load of the silicone tube flow chamber. Firstly, a method to obtain the geometrical and mechanical characteristic of the chamber was given. Secondly, the procedure to simulate the two main mechanical stimuli under the physiological environment was proposed. Finally, the factors controlling the wall shear stress and circumferential stress were summarized.