Growth and analysis of vascular smooth muscle on microspheres

Protocols for culturing vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) on polystyrene microspheres, assessing VSMC contractility while adhered to the microspheres, and analyzing VSMCs cultured on microspheres by flow cytometry are described. These procedures preserve optimal VSMC viability and function, while providing a method for assessing these cells within the parameters required for analysis by flow cytometry.