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Primary Human Lung Pericytes Support and Stabilize In Vitro Perfusable Microvessels
Colette A Bichsel1,2, Sean R R Hall3,4, Ralph A Schmid3,4
11 Lung Regeneration Technologies, ARTORG Center, University of Bern , Bern, Switzerland .
Tissue Engineering. Part A
|April 21, 2015
Summary
Human lung pericytes create stable, functional microvessels in a novel in vitro model. This biomimetic system enhances understanding of vascular remodeling and disease, offering new avenues for research.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Vascular Biology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Blood vessel formation is crucial for development, healing, and diseases like cancer.
- Studying lung microvasculature requires advanced in vitro models that mimic its complexity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize an in vitro microvascular model of the human lung.
- To investigate the role of human lung pericytes in microvessel formation and function.
Main Methods:
- Isolated and characterized human lung pericytes via flow cytometry.
- Co-cultured pericytes with endothelial cells in fibrin gel within microcompartments.
- Assessed microvessel formation, stability, permeability, and vasoconstriction.
Main Results:
- Formed stable, patent microvessels (3.1 mm²) within 3-5 days, lasting up to 14 days.
- Pericyte co-culture reduced microvascular permeability and vessel diameter variability.
- Pericyte-lined vessels exhibited vasoconstriction upon phenylephrine administration.
Conclusions:
- Human lung pericytes significantly influence microvessel morphology, permeability, and stability.
- The developed biomimetic platform accurately models human lung microvasculature.
- This model enables testing of patient-derived cells in a physiologically relevant microvascular setting.
