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Adaptability of endothelial orientation to blood flow dynamics--a morphologic analysis
V S Sottiurai1, S L Sue, J R Breaux
1Department of Surgery, Louisana State University School of Medicine, New Orleans 70112.
European Journal of Vascular Surgery
|April 1, 1989
Summary
Endothelial cells in blood vessels adapt their orientation to match blood flow direction. Studies show these cells reorient within 8-16 days in vein grafts and vascular patches, demonstrating remarkable adaptive capabilities.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Vascular endothelial cells exhibit a specific anatomical orientation.
- This orientation, characterized by the long axis and overlapping cell processes, aligns parallel to blood flow.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if endothelial cell orientation adapts to altered blood flow directions.
- To understand the timeline and mechanisms of endothelial reorientation in vascular grafts and patches.
Main Methods:
- Valvulotomised ilio-femoral vein segments were grafted into arteries with reversed flow.
- Carotid artery and jugular vein patches were rotated 90 degrees, orienting cells perpendicular to flow.
Main Results:
- Endothelial cells reoriented to align with the new blood flow direction in both vein grafts and vascular patches.
- Complete reorientation occurred within 8-16 days in vein grafts and 8 days in vascular patches.
- The process involved cell process retraction, interdigitation, and replacement, without observed mitosis.
Conclusions:
- Vascular endothelial cells possess adaptive capabilities to complement blood flow direction.
- Endothelial reorientation is a dynamic process that occurs in response to altered hemodynamic conditions.