Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 21, 2026

Isolation and Primary Culture of Mouse Aortic Endothelial Cells
Published on: December 19, 2016
Studying the Response of Aortic Endothelial Cells under Pulsatile Flow Using a Compact Microfluidic System
Mokhaled Mohammed1, Peter Thurgood1, Christopher Gilliam1
1School of Engineering , RMIT University , Melbourne , VIC 3001 , Australia.
Abstract:
We describe a piezoelectric pumping system for studying the mechanobiology of human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) under pulsatile flow in microfluidic structures. The system takes advantage of commercially available components, including pumps, flow sensors, and microfluidic channels, which can be easily integrated, programmed, and operated by cellular biologists. Proof-of-concept experiments were performed to elucidate the complex mechanotransduction processes of endothelial cells to pulsatile flow. In particular, we investigated the effect of atheroprone and atheroprotective pulsatile shear stress on endothelial cytoskeleton remodeling and distribution of β-catenin, as well as nuclear shape and size. The system is simple to operate, relatively inexpensive, portable, and controllable, providing opportunities for studying the mechanobiology of endothelial cells using microfluidic technologies.
Related Concept Videos
Compact Bone
Compact bone, also called cortical bone, is the denser, stronger of the two types of bone tissue. It is found under the periosteum and in the diaphyses of long bones, where it provides support and protection. The microscopic structural unit of compact bone is called an osteon, or haversian system. Each osteon is composed of concentric rings of calcified...
Compacting Factor test
The procedure begins by placing concrete into the upper hopper without any compaction. Once filled, the bottom door of this hopper is opened,...
Cell-mediated Immune Responses
Cells of the Adaptive Immune Response
Diversity in Cell Signaling Responses
Graded and Abrupt Responses
Some signaling systems generate...
Target Cell Response to Hormones
Notably, the cellular response can be regulated by altering the number of receptors expressed in the cell. For example, prolonged exposure to elevated hormone levels results in a gradual decline or down-regulation in the number of receptors for that specific hormone on the cell surface. Conversely, in response to low hormone levels, cells may use up-regulation, producing an...

