Shear stress induces expression of CNP gene in human endothelial cells

To elucidate the effect of blood flow on gene transcription of C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP), human umbilical vein endothelial cells were exposed to shear stress in a cone-plate viscometer. Expression of CNP mRNA, evaluated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, was markedly increased by exposure to shear stress of 24 dyne/cm2 at 3 h. The CNP mRNA level was maintained until 12 h. Thus, the present study demonstrated for the first time that shear stress induces expression of CNP gene in human endothelial cells.