Flow-induced regulation of brain endothelial cells in vitro

Endothelial cell (EC) function and susceptibility to vascular disease are regulated by flow; this relationship has been modeled in systemic, but not cerebrovascular, EC culture. We studied the effects of unidirectional flow of medium, produced by orbital rotation of cultures, on morphology and protein expression in bEnd.3 mouse brain ECs. Flow altered the expression of key transcription factors and gasotransmitter-synthesizing enzymes, and increased NO production. Statins and angiotensin receptor blockers reproduced the effect of flow on endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression. Thus, flow modified brain EC properties and function in vitro, with similarities and possible differences compared to previous studies on systemic ECs. Thus, the effect of flow on brain ECs can be modeled in vitro and may assist the investigation of mechanisms of cerebrovascular disease.