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Microfluidic Model to Mimic Initial Event of Neovascularization
Published on: April 10, 2021
Cyclic strain disrupts endothelial network formation on Matrigel.
Cameron J Wilson1, Grit Kasper, Michael A Schütz
1Julius Wolff Institut and Center for Musculoskeletal Surgery, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany. Cameron.Wilson@charite.de
Microvascular Research
|August 22, 2009
Summary
Mechanical strain inhibits blood vessel formation in vitro, contrary to expectations for tissue healing. This study found that physical disruption, not biochemical changes, underlies this effect, highlighting the need to study cell straining and assembly together.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cell Biology
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Revascularization is crucial for tissue healing, with mechanical stimuli generally promoting blood vessel formation in soft tissues.
- However, excessive motion in bone defects hinders vascular regeneration, creating a paradox in understanding mechanical influences on angiogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the complex relationship between mechanical stimuli and angiogenesis.
- To determine if a specific range of mechanical strain exists that favors blood vessel formation (angiogenesis).
Main Methods:
- A Matrigel-based in vitro assay was used to assess human microvascular endothelial cell network formation under varying cyclic strain magnitudes.
- Quantification of total network length at 24 hours.
- Analysis of pro-angiogenic factors (matrix metalloproteinases-2 and -9, vascular endothelial growth factor) and conditioned media from mesenchymal stem cells.
Main Results:
- All tested cyclic strain levels reduced endothelial cell network formation compared to controls.
- Strain did not alter levels of matrix metalloproteinases-2 and -9, but increased vascular endothelial growth factor.
- Paracrine factors from mesenchymal stem cells enhanced network length but did not counteract the inhibitory effect of strain.
Conclusions:
- Directly applied cyclic strain inhibits endothelial cell organization and tube formation in vitro.
- The inhibitory effect appears to be due to physical disruption rather than biochemical modulation.
- Simultaneous study of endothelial cell straining and vascular structure assembly is essential for understanding mechanical influences on vessel formation.
