Modulation of secretion of vasoactive materials from human and bovine endothelial cells by cyclic strain

The effects of cyclical expansion and elaxation of the vessel wall on endothelial cell metabolism have been modeled using a uniaxial strain device and cultured endothelial cell monolayers. Also, the effects of stopping and then restarting cyclic strain on metabolite secreation rates were determined. Secretion rates of prostacyclin (PGI(2)), endothelin, tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA), and plasminogen activator inhibitor-type 1 (PaI-1) by endothelial cells were constant over24-h periods The secreation of both PGI(2) and endothelin was enhanced in cells exposed to high physiological levels of cyclical strain (10% at 1Hz) compared with controls, while tPA production was unaltered. These results were true for both human and bovine endothelial cells. Characterization of the response of human endothelial cells to cyclical strain made evaluation of stretch effects on PAl-1 secretion possible. A nearly twofold increase in PAl-1 secretion by cells exposed to arterial levels of strain was observed. Endothelin secretion remained elevated even after strain was stopped for 12 h, while PGl(2) secretion returned to control values upon cessation of cyclic stretch. These results indicate that physiological levels of cyclic mechanical strain ca significantly modulate secretion of vasoactive metabolited form endothelial cells. The changes sen secretion are, in some cases, quite different from those caused by arterial levels of fluid shear stress exposure. (c) 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.