AJP - Heart Calcium Transients and Cell-Sarcomere
HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS
 QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced]


     


Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 285: H1081-H1090, 2003. First published May 8, 2003; doi:10.1152/ajpheart.00434.2003
0363-6135/03 $5.00
This Article
Right arrow Abstract Freely available
Right arrow Full Text (PDF)
Right arrow All Versions of this Article:
285/3/H1081    most recent
00434.2003v1
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Right arrow Citation Map
Services
Right arrow Email this article to a friend
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in ISI Web of Science
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via HighWire
Right arrow Citing Articles via ISI Web of Science (10)
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Liu, S. Q.
Right arrow Articles by Alkema, P.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow PubMed Citation
Right arrow Articles by Liu, S. Q.
Right arrow Articles by Alkema, P.

Pattern formation of vascular smooth muscle cells subject to nonuniform fluid shear stress: role of PDGF-{beta} receptor and Src

Shu Q. Liu,1 Christopher Tieche,1 Dalin Tang,2 and Paul Alkema1

1Biomedical Engineering Department, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208-3107; and 2Mathematical Sciences Department, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, Massachusetts 01609

Submitted 7 May 2003 ; accepted in final form 7 May 2003


    ABSTRACT
 TOP
 ABSTRACT
 METHODS
 RESULTS
 DISCUSSION
 DISCLOSURES
 REFERENCES
 
Blood vessels are subject to fluid shear stress, a hemodynamic factor that inhibits the mitogenic activities of vascular cells. The presence of nonuniform shear stress has been shown to exert graded suppression of cell proliferation and induces the formation of cell density gradients, which in turn regulate the direction of smooth muscle cell (SMC) migration and alignment. Here, we investigated the role of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-{beta} receptor and Src in the regulation of such processes. In experimental models with vascular polymer implants, SMCs migrated from the vessel media into the neointima of the implant under defined fluid shear stress. In a nonuniform shear model, blood shear stress suppressed the expression of PDGF-{beta} receptor and the phosphorylation of Src in a shear level-dependent manner, resulting in the formation of mitogen gradients, which were consistent with the gradient of cell density as well as the alignment of SMCs. In contrast, uniform shear stress in a control model elicited an even influence on the activity of mitogenic molecules without modulating the uniformity of cell density and did not significantly influence the direction of SMC alignment. The suppression of the PDGF-{beta} receptor tyrosine kinase and Src with pharmacological substances diminished the gradients of mitogens and cell density and reduced the influence of nonuniform shear stress on SMC alignment. These observations suggest that PDGF-{beta} receptor and Src possibly serve as mediating factors in nonuniform shear-induced formation of cell density gradients and alignment of SMCs in the neointima of vascular polymer implants.

signal transduction; mitogen gradients; cell density gradients; cell migration; cell alignment


BLOOD FLOW-ASSOCIATED fluid shear stress regulates cellular activities, including cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis (1, 79, 11, 14, 21, 36, 44, 48, 59, 63). Investigations using cell culture models have demonstrated that disturbed flow with reduced fluid shear stress and increased shear stress gradients potentially enhance the proliferative activity of vascular cells (7, 9, 11, 35, 37, 45, 51), whereas laminar flow exerts an opposite effect (1, 33, 35, 37, 45, 66). These shear-induced cellular activities possibly contribute to the regulation of vascular morphogenesis and structural adaptation. While it is difficult to observe these processes during development, experimental and clinical observations have demonstrated an inverse correlation of fluid shear stress with neointimal formation during vascular adaptation in response to altered blood flow (2, 5, 16, 29, 35, 37, 66). These investigations have verified the role of fluid shear stress in the regulation of mitogenic activities in vascular cells.

Previous studies have demonstrated that blood shear stress exerts an inhibitory effect on the proliferation of vascular cells (1, 33, 35, 37, 45). The presence of nonuniform shear stress influences the distribution of cell density and induces the formation of cell density gradients, which are associated with smooth muscle cell (SMC) migration and alignment in the direction of cell density gradients (39). In contrast, uniform fluid shear stress in a control model does not influence either the distribution of cell density or the alignment of SMCs (39). These observations suggest that nonuniform fluid shear stress may influence the direction of SMC migration and alignment via the mediation of cell density gradients. In the present study, we investigated a possible mechanism for such regulatory processes.

The transduction of fluid shear stress signals has been a topic of focus in vascular research. While the mechanisms remain poorly understood, growth factor-related signaling pathways have been shown to mediate shear stress-dependent cellular activities (1, 79, 11, 14, 21, 36, 44, 48, 59, 63). Among various growth factors, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB has been demonstrated to regulate the proliferation of vascular SMCs (13, 20, 27, 31, 45, 47, 49, 56). This growth factor binds to the PDGF-{beta} receptor and induces the autophosphorylation of the intracellular tyrosine kinase domain of the receptor, leading to the activation of downstream signaling molecules, including Src, a nonreceptor tyrosine kinase that regulates cell migration and proliferation (50, 57, 58). A previous investigation (45) has demonstrated that fluid shear stress inhibits PDGF-BB-related signaling activities in vascular cells. Thus it is possible that the presence of nonuniform fluid shear stress may induce graded suppression of PDGF-BB-related signaling molecules and induces the formation of mitogen gradients, which in turn regulate the distribution of cell density. The present study was designed to verify this potential mechanism using experimental models with vascular polymer implants subject to defined flow fields with uniform and nonuniform shear stress.


    METHODS
 TOP
 ABSTRACT
 METHODS
 RESULTS
 DISCUSSION
 DISCLOSURES
 REFERENCES
 
Experimental Models, Measurements, and Analyses

Male 3-mo-old Sprague-Dawley rats (Harlan; Indianapolis, IL) were used in this study. Two experimental models, including a uniform and nonuniform shear stress model, were established using methods described in a related paper (39). Briefly, to create a nonuniform shear model, a polypropylene cylinder of 0.3 mm diameter coated with polyethylene glycol was implanted in the center of the inferior vena cava (~3 mm in diameter) in a direction perpendicular to blood flow (38, 41). To create a uniform shear model, a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane patch, ~3, 0.5, and 0.01 mm in length, width, and thickness, respectively, was inserted into the vena cava and attached to the endothelium in the circumferential direction of the vessel with 10-O suture stitches. Because the membrane patch is thin, fluid shear stress on the patch is similar to that on the endothelium. Observations were carried out at days 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 after surgery with a focus on day 5 because of the presence of peak mitogen activities and SMC migration. The analysis of shear stress and measurement of SMC alignment and cell density are described in a related paper (39). Experimental procedures were approved by the Animal Care and Use Committee of Northwestern University.

Endothelial Denudation

To investigate the role of endothelial cells in the regulation of shear stress-induced SMC activities, we removed the endothelium of the host vena cava for polymer implantation in selected cases, resulting in the formation of neointima on the implant without the coverage of endothelial cells. Briefly, a balloon-tipped catheter was inserted into the inferior vena cava through a side branch, and the balloon was inflated with PBS to a diameter slightly larger than that of the vena cava. The catheter was moved back and forth five times for the removal of endothelial cells. A polyethylene cylinder was implanted into the vena cava, as described in Experimental Models, Measurements, and Analyses. Results were compared between specimens with and without endothelial denudation at day 5. The absence of endothelial cells was verified by immunohistochemistry as described in Immunohistochemistry.

Immunohistochemistry

For the detection of endothelial cells, whole neointimal tissues were collected from polymer implants at selected observation times, fixed in 4% formaldehyde in PBS at 4°C for 20 min, incubated with an anti-factor VIII antibody (1:10, Biomeda) at 37°C for 1 h, subsequently incubated with a rhodamine-conjugated secondary antibody under the same conditions, and observed en face using an Olympus fluorescence microscope.

The relative expression of PDGF-{beta} receptor and the relative phosphorylation activity of Src were detected by immunohistochemistry. Specimens from the uniform and nonuniform shear models were collected at selected observation times and cut into serial transverse cryosections of 10 µm thickness. Sections were selected at an axial location with a Reynolds number of ~10 from the nonuniform shear model and from the uniform shear model with comparable shear stress. Three sections from each location of a selected specimen were incubated with an anti-PDGF-BB and anti-PDGF-{beta} receptor antibody (R&D Systems) and an anti-Src pY418 phosphospecific antibody (Biosources), respectively, at 37°C for 1 h and subsequently incubated with a corresponding rhodamine-conjugated secondary antibody under the same conditions. Each section was then incubated with an anti-SMC {alpha}-actin antibody (Chemicon) mixed with 20 nM Hoechst 33258 (for cell nucleus labeling) and subsequently incubated with a fluorescein-conjugated secondary antibody at 37°C for 1 h. Specimens were observed using a fluorescence microscope.

For the nonuniform shear model, the fluorescent intensity of labeled molecules from each section was measured in areas selected at circumferential locations of 0, 8, 20, 28, 36, 47, and 55° (Fig. 1), covering a range from the leading stagnation edge to the maximal shear stress location, under identical optical conditions using a cooled charge-coupled device camera and a MetaMorph imaging system. The intensity of background fluorescence was measured in areas outside the tissue section and used for the calculation of a relative expression or phosphorylation index (intensity of labeled molecules/intensity of background). For the uniform shear stress model, fluorescent intensity for each type of molecules was measured and analyzed from the leading, middle, and trailing sites of each selected transverse section using the methods described above.



View larger version (37K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Fig. 1. Fluorescent micrograph showing antibody-labeled smooth muscle cell (SMC) {alpha}-actin in the transverse section of a specimen selected from an axial location with a Reynolds number of ~10 (average shear stress ~5 N/m2) in the nonuniform shear stress model and demonstrating locations for immunohistochemical sampling for Fig. 2. Scale bar: 100 µm.

 



View larger version (50K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Fig. 2. Fluorescent micrographs showing antibody-labeled platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB, PDGF-{beta} receptor (PDGF {beta}-R), and phosphorylated Src (Src p) Y418 (all in red) at 3 circumferential locations of 0, 28, and 55°, as indicated in Fig. 1, at an axial location of the implanted cylinder with a Reynolds number of ~10. The green color represents SMC {alpha}-actin, the blue color is for cell nuclei, and the scale bar represents 10 µm (for all images). EC+, with endothelial cells; EC–, without endothelial cells.

 
Immunoprecipitation and Immunoblotting

The expression of PDGF-{beta} receptor and the phosphorylation activity of PDGF-{beta} receptor tyrosine kinase and Src were verified by immunoblotting as described previously (32). This method was also used for the verification of the influence of protein kinase inhibitors on the activity of the PDGF-{beta} receptor tyrosine kinase and Src. The encapsulating neointima of the nonuniform shear model was collected and homogenized (5 specimens/assay) in RIPA buffer containing 100 mM Tris, 0.15 M NaCl, 1% deoxycholic acid, 1% Triton X-100, 0.1% SDS, 10 µg/ml aprotinin, 2 mM phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride, 10 µg/ml leupeptin, 1 mM Na3VO4, 2 µg/ml pepstatin, 50 mM NaF, and 5 mM EDTA. The homogenate was centrifuged at 15,000 g for 6 min. The supernatant was collected for further analyses. Protein concentrations were determined using the Bradford method.

The expression of PDGF-BB and PDGF-{beta} receptor was detected by immunoblotting. Total proteins (50 µg/lane) were separated by SDS-PAGE and then transferred to a polyvinylidene difluoride membrane. The membrane was incubated with an anti-PDGF-BB or anti-PDGF-{beta} receptor antibody (1:1,000, R&D Systems) at 37°C for 1 h and subsequently incubated with a horseradish peroxidase-conjugated secondary antibody under the same conditions. Protein signals were detected using a chemiluminescent method. A relative expression index was defined as the ratio of the density of a protein in the encapsulating thrombus to that in the vena cava wall.

The phosphorylation of PDGF-{beta} receptor tyrosine kianse and Src was detected by immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting. The homogenate supernatant (containing 100 µg total protein) was incubated with Sepharose 2B beads and cleared with centrifugation. The precleared supernatant was incubated with either an anti-PDGF-{beta} receptor or anti-Src antibody (1:100, Biosource) at 4°C for 4 h, followed by incubation with 30 µg protein A-Sepharose 2B beads (Sigma) at 4°C for 12 h. After centrifugation at 200 g for 3 min, the beads were collected, washed, resuspended in Laemmli sample buffer, boiled for 5 min, and centrifuged at 200 g for 3 min. The supernatant was collected and used for SDS-PAGE analyses and protein transfer as described above. Membranes containing the PDGF-{beta} receptor were incubated with an anti-PDGF-{beta} receptor or anti-phosphotyrosine antibody (PY20), and membranes containing Src were incubated with an anti-Src or anti-Src pY418 phosphospecific antibody. The expression and phosphorylation of PDGF-{beta} receptor and Src were detected as described above. The relative phosphorylation activity of these molecules was defined as the ratio of the density of a phosphorylated protein to that of the same protein expressed in the same specimen.

Administration of Pharmacological Inhibitors

Selective PDGF-{beta} receptor tyrosine kinase and Src inhibitors, AG-1296 (Biosciences) (28) and pp1 (Bio-Mol) (19), respectively, were delivered one at a time to the nonuniform shear model via an osmotic pump (Alza) (46). The osmotic pump was filled with either 10 µM AG-1296 or 10 µM pp1 and implanted in the rat abdominal cavity immediately after the implantation of the cylinder. The outlet of the osmotic pump was connected to a branch of the vena cava upstream to the implanted cylinder. The contained substance was delivered into blood at a constant rate of 8 µl/h for up to 10 days.

Statistics

Means ± SD were calculated for measured parameters. Student's t-test (two tailed) was used to determine the significance of difference between two selected groups. ANOVA was used to determine the significance of difference between more than two groups. A difference was considered statistically significant at P < 0.05.


    RESULTS
 TOP
 ABSTRACT
 METHODS
 RESULTS
 DISCUSSION
 DISCLOSURES
 REFERENCES
 
Influence of Shear Stress on Expression and Activation of Mitogenic Molecules

Nonuniform shear model. PDGF-BB and PDGF-{beta} receptor are expressed in vascular cells, and their activities are regulated by fluid shear stress, suggesting a possible involvement of these mitogenic factors in shear-related events. To test the possibility that these mitogenic factors may participate in the regulation of shear-induced formation of cell density gradients and alterations in the direction of SMC migration and alignment, we examined the relative expression of these factors and the relative phosphorylation of PDGF-{beta} receptor tyrosine kinase and a downstream nonreceptor tyrosine kinase, Src, with a focus on the relationship with fluid shear stress and cell density distribution.

In the nonuniform shear model, the expression of PDGF-BB was upregulated in mainly the surface cells (endothelial cells and/or SMCs) of the encapsulating neointima in regions near the zero-shear stagnation and flow separation edges (perpendicular to blood shear stress), whereas that in the shear stress region between the stagnation and flow separation edges was significantly lower (see Ref. 39 for the definition of these locations). A gradient of PDGF-BB expression was observed from the stagnation edge to the maximal shear location in the direction of blood shear stress (Fig. 2). A similar pattern was observed for the expression of PDGF-{beta} receptor and the phosphorylation of Src on Y418, although these molecules appeared in not only the surface but also in the subsurface cells (Fig. 2). An inverse relationship was found between the level of fluid shear stress and the relative activity of mitogenic molecules (Fig. 3).



View larger version (19K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Fig. 3. A: distribution of the relative (Rel) expression (RE) of PDGF-BB with ({circ}) and without ({bullet}) endothelial cells and PDGF-{beta} receptor ({square}) and the relative phosphorylation of Src Y418 ({triangleup}) in the nonuniform shear stress model in the shear stress or circumferential direction from 0 to 55° at day 5 (n = 6). These results are compared with the distribution of shear stress (solid curved line without symbols) in the same model. Changes with respect to circumferential locations were significant for all molecules (P < 0.01 by ANOVA). B: distribution of the relative phosphorylation of Src Y418 in the presence of AG-1296 ({circ}) and pp1 ({square}) in the nonuniform shear stress model in the circumferential direction from 0 to 55° (parallel to blood shear stress) at day 5 (n = 6). Results are compared with the distribution of shear stress (solid curved line without symbols). Changes with respect to circumferential locations were not significant for either substance (P > 0.05 by ANOVA).

 

The expression of PDGF-BB and PDGF-{beta} receptor was verified by immunoblotting. As shown in Fig. 4, the relative expression of PDGF-BB from the entire neointima of the implant increased after the implantation surgery, reached a peak at day 5, and decreased afterward. In contrast, the relative expression of PDGF-{beta} receptor increased first and reached a relatively stable level after day 3. Changes with time were statistically significant for both PDGF-BB and PDGF-{beta} receptor (ANOVA). Immunoblotting was also used to verify the phosphorylation of PDGF-{beta} receptor tyrosine kinase and Src in the nonuniform shear model at day 5 (maximal SMC migration) and day 10 (significantly reduced SMC migration). As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, these kinases were phosphorylated at day 5, and the relative phosphorylation for both kinases was significantly reduced at day 10.



View larger version (41K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Fig. 4. Expression of PDGF-BB (A) and PDGF-{beta} receptor (B) in the encapsulating neointima of the nonuniform shear model. RE was estimated with respect to the expression of the same protein in the vena cava wall (V; n = 5 each time). Changes from days 1 to 10 were significant for both molecules (P < 0.01 by ANOVA).

 


View larger version (35K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Fig. 5. Expression and phosphorylation of PDGF-{beta} receptor in the absence and presence of AG-1296, a selective inhibitor for the PDGF-{beta} receptor tyrosine kinase. A: immunoblot (IB) images; B: relative phosphorylation activity (RA) of PDGF-{beta} receptor tyrosine kinase with (+) and without (–) AG-1296 (n = 5). *P < 0.01 between AG-1296+ and AG-1296– at day 5. IP, immunoprecipitation.

 


View larger version (35K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Fig. 6. Expression and phosphorylation of Src in the absence and presence of AG-1296, a selective inhibitor for PDGF-{beta} receptor tyrosine kinase. A: immunoblot images; B: RA of Src with and without AG-1296 (n = 5). *P < 0.05 between AG-1296+ and AG-1296– at day 5.

 

Uniform shear model. To verify the role of nonuniform shear stress in the graded activation of mitogenic molecules, we analyzed and compared the pattern of PDGF-BB and PDGF-{beta} receptor expression and Src Y418 phosphorylation between the nonuniform and uniform shear models. In the uniform shear model, PDGF-BB was mainly expressed in the surface cells of the implanted PTFE patch, whereas the PDGF-{beta} receptor was expressed in surface as well as subsurface cells, as observed in the nonuniform shear model. However, unlike that observed in the nonuniform shear model, no apparent gradients of PDGF-BB, PDGF-{beta} receptor, and Src were observed in the direction of blood shear stress (Fig. 7).



View larger version (40K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Fig. 7. Expression of PDGF-BB and PDGF-{beta} receptor and phosphorylation of Src Y418 in the uniform shear model. A: fluorescent micrographs of antibody-labeled PDGF-BB, PDGF-{beta} receptor, and Src pY418 (all in red) in the uniform shear model at the leading, middle, and trailing regions of the membrane patch. SMC {alpha}-actin is in green, cell nuclei are in blue, and the scale bar represents 10 µm (for all images). B: RE of PDGF-BB ({circ}) and PDGF-{beta} receptor ({square}) and RA of Src Y418 ({triangleup}) in the uniform shear stress model from the leading to trailing region of the membrane patch (parallel to blood shear stress) at day 5 (n = 5). Changes from the leading to trailing region were not significant for these molecules (P > 0.05 by ANOVA).

 

Influence of Mitogenic Molecules on Distribution of Cell Density and Pattern Formation of SMCs

To clarify the role of mitogenic molecules in the mediation of nonuniform shear-induced formation of cell density gradients and the pattern formation of SMCs, we applied the pharmacological inhibitors AG-1296 and pp1 for PDGF-{beta} receptor tyrosine kinase and Src, respectively, to the nonuniform shear model. Immunoblotting analyses demonstrated that AG-1296 significantly suppressed the phosphorylation of PDGF-{beta} receptor tyrosine kinase as well as Src (Figs. 5 and 6, respectively) and pp1 inhibited that of Src at day 5 when maximal SMC migration was observed (Fig. 8). Immunohistochemical analyses showed that AG-1296 and pp1 both significantly reduced the relative phosphorylation of Src on Y418 in mainly regions near the zero-shear stagnation and flow separation edges without a significant influence on the Src activity in the shear stress region between the stagnation and flow separation edges (Fig. 2). Such an influence resulted in a shear stress-independent, relatively uniform distribution of phosphorylated Src on Y418 in the shear stress direction of the nonuniform shear model (Fig. 3B).



View larger version (34K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Fig. 8. Expression and phosphorylation of Src in the absence (–) and presence (+) of pp1, a selective inhibitor for Src. A: immunoblot images; B: RA of Src with and without pp1 (n = 5). **P < 0.01 between pp1+ and pp1– at day 5.

 

In correspondence to changes in the distribution of mitogenic molecules, a treatment with pharmacological inhibitors, including AG-1296 and pp1, significantly suppressed SMC migration in regions near the zero-shear stagnation and flow separation edges, whereas such a treatment did not significantly influence SMC migration in the shear stress region between the stagnation and flow separation edges. The influence of inhibitors resulted in a relatively uniform migration of SMCs in the axial direction of the implant (perpendicular to blood shear stress) ranging from the stagnation edge to the maximal shear stress location, thus reducing the circumferential gradient of cell density (parallel to blood shear stress) on the implant (Fig. 9). As a result, fewer SMCs were migrating in the circumferential direction of the implant, and the population of circumferentially aligned SMCs was significantly reduced compared with the control model without a protein kinase inhibitor (Fig. 10).



View larger version (39K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Fig. 9. Distribution of total cell density in the encapsulating neointima of the nonuniform shear model with the PDGF-{beta} receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor AG-1296. A: overall distribution of cell density in a 5-day specimen. B: average cell density at selected circumferential locations, including 0, 55, and 109°, along the axis of the implanted cylinder (perpendicular to blood shear stress) at day 5. Means and SD are presented (n = 5 at each data point). a and b, Circumferential gradients of cell density from 0 to 55° and from 109 to 55°, respectively (parallel to blood shear stress); a and b were similar. c, Axial gradient of cell density at 55°. Note that the circumferential cell density gradients in the shear stress direction were significantly lower than that in the axial direction. Similar results were observed under pp1.

 


View larger version (63K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Fig. 10. Analyses of SMC alignment in the nonuniform shear model in the presence of AG-1296 and pp1. A and B: fluorescent micrographs (en face preparations) showing SMC alignments on implants (one end of the implant shown) with AG-1296 at days 5 and 10, respectively. C: average SMC alignments with AG-1296 at days 5 and 10 (n = 6). D and E: fluorescent micrographs (en face preparations) showing SMC alignments on implants (one end of the implant shown) with pp1 at days 5 and 10, respectively. F: average SMC alignments with pp1 at days 5 and 10 (n = 6). For A, B, D, and E, the arrow indicates the direction of blood flow, V is the vena cava wall, and the scale bar represents 100 µm. For C and F, the white, gray, and black bars represent sampling locations at 0–5, 53–58, and 105–110°, respectively, on the implant. **P < 0.01 and ***P < 0.001, respectively, for comparisons between three different locations at each time (by ANOVA); {bullet}{bullet}P < 0.01 and {bullet}{bullet}{bullet}P < 0.001, respectively, for comparisons between data shown here (with an inhibitor) and the control data shown in Fig. 6 of Ref. 39 (without an inhibitor) at the same location and same time (by Student's t-test).

 

Influence of Endothelial Denudation

Endothelial cells are directly exposed to fluid shear stress. It is possible that these cells may mediate shear-induced events in SMCs. To verify such a possibility, we examined PDGF-BB expression in the nonuniform shear model without endothelial cells. The absence of endothelial cells in specimens collected from endothelium-denuded blood vessels was confirmed by immunohistochemical labeling of factor VIII, an endothelial cell-specific marker (Fig. 11). In specimens without endothelial cells, PDGF-BB was expressed in the surface cells, which were SMC {alpha}-actin positive, of the encapsulating neointima. As shown in Fig. 2, the pattern of PDGF-BB expression was similar to that with endothelial cells.



View larger version (107K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Fig. 11. Fluorescent micrographs showing the presence of anti-factor VIII antibody-labeled endothelial cells in a 5-day nonuniform shear model (A) and the absence of endothelial cells after endothelial denudation in the host vessel at the same time (B). Scale bar: 10 µm.

 


    DISCUSSION
 TOP
 ABSTRACT
 METHODS
 RESULTS
 DISCUSSION
 DISCLOSURES
 REFERENCES
 
Influence of Fluid Shear Stress on Activity of Mitogenic Molecules and Distribution of Cell Density

In a related report (39), it was shown that fluid shear stress inhibited the proliferation of vascular cells in the neointima of polymer structures implanted in the rat vena cava. The presence of nonuniform shear stress influenced the distribution of cell density, inducing the formation of cell density gradients. Because SMCs within the neointima were not directly exposed to blood shear stress, the shear influence may be transmitted by intermediating factors. While it is not entirely understood what factors are involved, PDGF-BB and related signaling molecules have been shown to promote the migration and proliferation of vascular SMCs (13, 20, 27, 31, 45, 47, 49, 47, 56). Because the activity of PDGF-BB and PDGF-{beta} receptor is regulated by fluid shear stress (43, 45, 49, 53), it is possible that these signaling molecules may serve as mediating factors for nonuniform shear-induced formation of cell density gradients and alignment of SMCs. Here, we focused on the role of these mitogenic factors.

As shown in this study, nonuniform shear stress was associated with graded expression of PDGF-BB and PDGF-{beta} receptor and graded phosphorylation of Src Y418 in the direction of blood shear stress. The level of shear stress was inversely related to the relative activity of these mitogenic molecules. In contrast, no apparent gradients were observed for these molecules in the uniform shear model. These results support the hypothesis that fluid shear stress may inhibit the activity of mitogenic molecules, and the presence of nonuniform shear stress may induce the formation of mitogen gradients. Further investigations demonstrated that the distribution of mitogenic molecules was consistent with that of cell density, suggesting a role for mitogen gradients in the formation of cell density gradients. Such a relationship was supported by the observation that the distribution of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU)-labeled or proliferating cells, as found in a previous study (41) by using a similar experimental model, was consistent with that of the mitogenic molecules.

To confirm that nonuniform shear stress regulates the distribution of cell density via a PDGF-BB and PDGF-{beta} receptor signaling mechanism, we applied the selective PDGF-{beta} receptor tyrosine kinase and Src inhibitors AG-1296 (28) and pp1 (19), respectively, to the nonuniform shear model. Immunoblotting analyses showed that a treatment with AG-1296 significantly reduced the relative phosphorylation of PDGF-{beta} receptor tyrosine kinase and Src, whereas pp1 suppressed the relative phosphorylation of Src Y418. Both inhibitors diminished the responsiveness of Src to fluid shear stress, as shown by immunohistochemistry, resulting in a more uniform distribution of Src pY418 in the shear stress direction compared with untreated specimens in the presence of the same field of nonuniform shear stress. The irresponsiveness of Src to fluid shear stress was possibly due to a significant overall inhibition of Src by AG-1296 or pp1, so that fluid shear stress could not induce further suppression of the Src activity. As a result, the gradient of cell density diminished significantly in the shear stress direction even though nonuniform fluid shear stress was present. These observations support the role of the PDGF-{beta} receptor and Src in mediating the influence of nonuniform blood shear stress on the distribution of cell density.

Potential Shear Stress Signaling Pathway for Regulating the Pattern Formation of Vascular SMCs

Fluid shear stress has long been hypothesized to influence the morphogenesis of blood vessels (30). Although there is little direct evidence for such a hypothesis, fluid shear stress has been demonstrated to influence the geometry and dimensions of vascular cells (3, 10, 15, 25, 40, 52) and cell proliferation via regulating the activity of mitogenic and signaling molecules (1, 2, 79, 11, 13, 14, 17, 2224, 26, 36, 43, 44, 48, 54, 55, 59, 6365), essential processes contributing to vascular morphogenesis and pathogenesis. The present study provides one more line of evidence that nonuniform fluid shear stress may play a role in regulating the pattern formation of vascular SMCs.

While information remains limited, results from previous investigations, as well as the present study, support a hypothetical signaling pathway for shear stress-induced SMC pattern formation. The presence of nonuniform shear stress may cause graded activation of mitogenic molecules. These molecules may induce graded cell proliferation, resulting in the formation of cell density gradients. The gradient of cell density may in turn influence the direction of SMC migration and alignment. However, it remains to be determined how fluid shear stress inhibits the expression of growth factors and how cell density gradients control the direction of cell migration.

In the present models, the surface cells of the encapsulating neointima of the implant were physically sheared by blood flow. However, the inhibitory influence of fluid shear stress on mitogen activities and BrdU incorporation was observed in not only surface cells but also in subsurface cells. These observations suggest that the surface cells may serve as sensors for the conversion of physical shearing friction to paracrine mediators, which can be transmitted to and influence subsurface cells. In particular, the expression of PDGF-BB, observed mainly in surface cells, was inversely related to the level of fluid shear stress. Such a growth factor may serve as a potential paracrine mediator for the influence of fluid shear stress.

The surface layer of the encapsulating neointima of the implant may contain several cell types, including endothelial cells, SMCs, and leukocytes (38). To understand the role of endothelial cells in the mediation of shear stress-dependent SMC pattern formation, we investigated the influence of fluid shear stress on SMC alignment in the nonuniform shear model without endothelial cells. A comparison with endothelialized specimens demonstrated little difference in the expression and distribution of PDGF-BB and in the pattern formation of SMCs. These observations suggest that either endothelial cells or SMCs may serve as shear stress sensors, capable of transmitting shear stress signals to subsurface cells. Leukocytes were attached to the implant during early thrombogenesis and were mainly localized to the interface between the implant and the encapsulating thrombus (38). These cells may not play a dominant role in the mediation of shear stress-dependent SMC pattern formation because of their rare presence at the surface.


    DISCLOSURES
 TOP
 ABSTRACT
 METHODS
 RESULTS
 DISCUSSION
 DISCLOSURES
 REFERENCES
 
This work was supported by research grants from the American Heart Association and the National Science Foundation.


    FOOTNOTES
 

Address for reprint requests and other correspondence: S. Q. Liu, Biomedical Engineering Dept., E334, Technology Institute, 2145 Sheridan Rd., Evanston, IL 60208-3107 (E-mail: sliu{at}northwestern.edu).

The costs of publication of this article were defrayed in part by the payment of page charges. The article must therefore be hereby marked "advertisement" in accordance with 18 U.S.C. Section 1734 solely to indicate this fact.


    REFERENCES
 TOP
 ABSTRACT
 METHODS
 RESULTS
 DISCUSSION
 DISCLOSURES
 REFERENCES
 

  1. Akimoto S, Mitsumata M, Sasaguri T, and Yoshida Y. Laminar shear stress inhibits vascular endothelial cell proliferation by inducing cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21 (Sdi1/Cip1/Waf1). Circ Res 86: 185–190, 2000.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  2. Asakura T and Karino T. Flow patterns and spacial distribution of atherosclerotic lesions in human coronary arteries. Circ Res 66: 1045–1066, 1990.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  3. Azuma N, Akasaka N, Kito H, Ikeda M, Gahtan V, Sasajima T, and Sumpio BE. Role of p38 MAP kinase in endothelial cell alignment by fluid shear stress. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 280: H189–H197, 2001.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  4. Barbee KA, Davies PF, and Lal R. Shear stress-induced reorganization of the surface topography of living endothelial cells imaged by atomic force microscopy. Circ Res 74: 163–171, 1994.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  5. Bassiouny HS, Zarins CK, Kadowaki MH, and Glagov S. Hemodynamic stress and experimental aortoiliac atherosclerosis. J Vasc Surg 19: 426–434, 1994.[ISI][Medline]
  6. Busse R and Fleming I. Pulsatile stretch and shear stress: physical stimuli determining the production of endothelium-derived relaxing factors. J Vasc Res 35: 73–84, 1998.[ISI][Medline]
  7. Caro CG, Parker KH, and Doorly DJ. Essentials of blood flow. Perfusion 10: 131–134, 1995.[Free Full Text]
  8. Chien S, Li S, and Shyy YJ. Effects of mechanical forces on signal transduction and gene expression in endothelial cells. Hypertension 31: 162–169, 1998.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  9. Davies PF, Polacek DC, Handen JS, Helmke BP, and DePaola N. A spatial approach to transcriptional profiling: mechanotransduction and the focal origin of atherosclerosis. Trends Biotech 17: 347–351, 1999.[ISI][Medline]
  10. Dewey CF Jr, Bussolari SR, Gimbrone MA Jr, and Davies PF The dynamic response of vascular endothelial cells to fluid shear stress. J Biomech Eng 103: 177–185, 1981.[ISI][Medline]
  11. Frangos SG, Gahtan V, and Sumpio B. Localization of atherosclerosis: role of hemodynamics. Arch Surg 134: 1142–1149, 1999.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  12. Fung YC and Liu SQ. Elementary mechanics of the endothelium of blood vessels. J Biomech Eng 115: 1–12, 1993.[ISI][Medline]
  13. Giese NA, Marijianowski MMH, McCook O, Hancock A, Ramakrishnan V, Fretto LJ, Chen C, Kelly AB, Koziol JA, Wilcox JN, and Hanson SR. The role of alpha and beta platelet-derived growth factor receptor in the vascular response to injury in nonhuman primates. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 19: 900–909, 1999.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  14. Gimbrone M Jr. Vascular endothelium, hemodynamic forces, and atherogenesis. Am J Pathol 155: 1–5, 1999.[Free Full Text]
  15. Girard PR and Nerem RM. Shear stress modulates endothelial cell morphology and F-actin organization through the regulation of focal adhesion-associated proteins. J Cell Physiol 163: 179–193, 1995.[ISI][Medline]
  16. Gnasso A, Carallo C, Irace C, Spagnuolo V, De Novara G, Mattioli PL, and Pujia A. Association between intima-media thickness and wall shear stress in common carotid arteries in healthy male subjects. Circulation 94: 3257–3262, 1996.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  17. Gudi S, Nolan JP, and Frangos JA. Modulation of GTPase activity of G proteins by fluid shear stress and phospholipid composition. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 95: 2515–2519, 1998.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  18. Haidekker MA, L'Heureux N, and Frangos JA. Fluid shear stress increases membrane fluidity in endothelial cells: a study with DCVJ fluorescence. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 278: H1401–H1406, 2000.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  19. Hanke JH, Gardner JP, Dow RL, Changelian PS, Brissette WH, Weringer EJ, Pollok BA, and Connelly PA. Discovery of a novel, potent, and Src family-selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Study of Lckand FynT-dependent T cell activation. J Biol Chem 271: 695–701, 1996.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  20. Heldin CH and Westermark B. Mechanism of action and in vivo role of platelet-derived growth factor. Physiol Rev 79: 1283–1316, 1999.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  21. Hermann Zeiher AM Dimmeler S C. Shear stress inhibits H2O2-induced apoptosis of human endothelial cells by modulation of the glutathione redox cycle and nitric oxide synthase. Arterioscler Thromb 17: 3588–3592, 1997.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  22. Hillsley MV and Tarbell JM. Oscillatory shear alters endothelial hydraulic conductivity and nitric oxide levels. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 293: 1466–1471, 2002.[ISI][Medline]
  23. Hochleitner BW, Hochleitner EO, Obrist P, Eberl T, Amberger A, Xu Q, Margreiter R. and Wick G. Fluid shear stress induces heat shock protein 60 expression in endothelial cells in vitro and in vivo. Arterioscler Thromb 20: 617–623, 2000.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  24. Houston P, Dickson MC, Ludbrook V, White B, Schwachtgen JL, McVey JH, Mackman N, Reese JM, Gorman DG, Campbell C, and Braddock M. Fluid shear stress induction of the tissue factor promoter in vitro and in vivo is mediated by Egr-1. Arterioscler Thromb 19: 281–289, 1999.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  25. Ives CL, Eskin SG, and McIntire LV. Mechanical effects on endothelial cell morphology: in vitro assessment. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol 22: 500–507, 1986.[ISI][Medline]
  26. Jalali S, Li YS, Sotoudeh M, Yuan S, Li S, Chien S, and Shyy JY. Shear stress activates p60src-Ras-MAPK signaling pathways in vascular endothelial cells. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 18: 227–234, 1998.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  27. Kenagy RD, Hart CE, Stetler-Stevenson WG, and Clowes AW. Primate smooth muscle cell migration from aortic explants is mediated by endogenous platelet-derived growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor acting through matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9. Circulation 96: 3555–3560, 1997.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  28. Kovalenko M, Ronnstrand L, Heldin CH, Loutchenkov M, Gazit A, Levitzki A, and Bohmer FD. Phosphorylation site-specific inhibition of platelet-derived growth factor {beta}-receptor autophosphorylation by the receptor blocking tyrphostin AG1296. Biochemistry 36: 6260–6269, 1997.[Medline]
  29. Ku DN, Giddens DP, Zarins CK, and Glagov S. Pulsatile flow and atherosclerosis in the human carotid bifurcation: Positive correlation between plaque location and low and oscillating shear stress. Arteriosclerosis 5: 293–302, 1985.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  30. LaBarbera M. Principles of design of fluid transport systems in zoology. Science 249: 992–1000, 1990.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  31. Leppanen O, Janjic N, Carlsson MA, Pietras K, Levin M, Vargeese C, Green LS, Bergqvist D, Ostman A, and Heldin CH. Intimal hyperplasia recurs after removal of PDGF-AB and -BB inhibition in the rat carotid artery injury model. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 20: 20–29, 2000.
  32. Li YC, Kong J, Wei M, Chen ZF, Liu SQ, and Cao LP. 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 is a negative endocrine regulator of the renin-angiotensin system. J Clin Invest 110: 229–238, 2002.[ISI][Medline]
  33. Lin K, Hsu PP, Chen BP, Yuan S, Usami S, Shyy JY, Li YS, and Chien S. Molecular mechanism of endothelial growth arrest by laminar shear stress. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 97: 9385–9389, 2000.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  34. Liu SQ. Influence of tensile strain on smooth muscle cell orientation in rat blood vessels. J Biomech Eng 120: 313–320, 1998.[ISI][Medline]
  35. Liu SQ. Prevention of focal intimal hyperplasia in rat vein grafts by using a tissue engineering approach. Atherosclerosis 140: 365–377, 1998.[ISI][Medline]
  36. Liu SQ. Biomechanical basis of vascular tissue engineering. Crit Rev Biomed Eng 27: 75–148, 1999.[ISI][Medline]
  37. Liu SQ. Focal activation of angiotensin II type 1 receptor and smooth muscle cell proliferation in the neointima of experimental vein grafts: relation to eddy blood flow. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 19: 2630–2639, 1999.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  38. Liu SQ and Goldman J. Regulation of vascular smooth muscle cell migration by blood shear stress. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 48: 474–483, 2001.[ISI][Medline]
  39. Liu SQ, Tang D, Tieche C, and Alkema PK. Pattern formation of vascular smooth muscle cells subject to nonuniform fluid shear stress: mediation by the gradient of cell density. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 285: H1072–H1080, 2003.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  40. Liu SQ, Yen M, and Fug YC. On measuring the third dimension of cultured endothelial cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 91: 8782–8786, 1994.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  41. Liu SQ, Zhong L, and Goldman J. Control of the shape of a neointima-like structure by blood shear stress. J Biomech Eng 124: 30–36, 2002.[ISI][Medline]
  42. Majesky MW, Reidy MA, Bowen-Pope DF, Hart CE, Wilcox JN, and Schwartz SM. PDGF ligand and receptor gene expression during repair of arterial injury. J Cell Biol 111: 2149–2158, 1990.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  43. Malek AM, Gibbons GH, Dzau YJ, and Izumo S. Fluid shear stress differentially modulates expression of genes encoding basic fibroblast growth factor and platelet-derived growth factor B chain in vascular endothelium. J Clin Invest 92: 2013–2021, 1993.[ISI][Medline]
  44. McIntire LV, Wagner JE, Papadaki M, Whitson PA, and Eskin SG. Effect of flow on gene regulation in smooth muscle cells and macromolecular transport across endothelial cell monolayers. Biol Bull 194: 394–399, 1998.[ISI][Medline]
  45. Mondy JS, Lindner V, Miyashiro JK, Berk BC, Dean RH, and Geary RL. Platelet-derived growth factor ligand and receptor expression in response to altered blood flow in vivo. Circ Res 81: 320–327, 1997.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  46. Moore MM, Goldman J, Patel A, Chien S, and Liu SQ. Role of mechanical stretch in the induction of vascular cell death. J Biomech Eng 34: 289–297, 2001.
  47. Nelson PR, Yamamura S, and Kent KC. Platelet-derived growth factor and extracellular matrix proteins provide a synergistic stimulus for human vascular smooth muscle cell migration. J Vasc Surg 26: 104–112, 1997.[ISI][Medline]
  48. Nerem RM, Alexander RW, Chappell DC, Medford RM, Varner SE, and Taylor WR. The study of the influence of flow on vascular endothelial biology. Am J Med Sci 316: 169–175, 1998.[ISI][Medline]
  49. Palumbo R, Gaetano C, Melillo G, Toschi E, Remuzzi A, and Capogrossi MC. Shear stress downregulation of platelet-derived growth factor receptor-beta and matrix metalloprotease-2 is associated with inhibition of smooth muscle cell invasion and migration. Circulation 102: 225–230, 2000.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  50. Parsons JT and Parsons SJ. Src family tyrosine kinases: cooperating with growth factor and adhesion signaling pathways. Curr Opin Cell Biol 9: 187–192, 1997.[ISI][Medline]
  51. Phelps JE and DePaola N. Spatial variations in endothelial barrier function in disturbed flows in vitro. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 278: H469–H476, 2000.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  52. Remuzzi A, Dewey CF Jr, Davies PF, and Gimbrone MA Jr. Orientation of endothelial cells in shear fields in vitro. Biorheology 21: 617–630, 1984.[ISI][Medline]
  53. Resnick N, Collins T, Atkinson W, Bonthron DT, Dewey CF Jr, and Gimbrone M Jr. Platelet-derived growth factor B chain promotor contains a cis-acting fluid shear-tress responsive element. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 90: 4591–4595, 1993.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  54. Resnick N, Yahav H, Schubert S, Wolfovitz E, and Shay A. Signalling pathways in vascular endothelium activated by shear stress: relevance to atherosclerosis. Curr Opin Lipidol 11: 167–177, 2000.[ISI][Medline]
  55. Rhoads DN, Eskin SG, and McIntire LV. Fluid flow releases fibroblast growth factor-2 from human aortic smooth muscle cells. Arterioscler Thromb 20: 416–421, 2000.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  56. Ross R. Atherosclerosis–an inflammatory disease. N Engl J Med 340: 115–126, 1993.
  57. Schlaepfer DD, Jones KC, and Hunter T. Multiple Grb2-mediated integrin-stimulated signaling pathways to ERK2/mitogen-activated protein kinase: summation of both cSrc- and focal adhesion kinase-initiated tyrosine phosphorylation events. Mol Cell Biol 18: 2571–2585, 1998.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  58. Schlessinger J. New roles for Src kinases in control of cell survival and angiogenesis. Cell 100: 293–296, 2000.[ISI][Medline]
  59. Shyy JY and Chien S. Role of integrins in endothelial mechanosensing of shear stress. Circ Res 91: 769–775, 2002.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  60. Stamatas GN and McIntire LV. Rapid flow-induced responses in endothelial cells. Biotech Prog 17: 383–402, 2001.[Medline]
  61. Surapisitchat J, Hoefen RJ, Pi X, Yoshizumi M, Yan C, and Berk BC. Fluid shear stress inhibits TNF-alpha activation of JNK but not ERK1/2 or p38 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells: inhibitory crosstalk among MAPK family members. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 98: 6476–81, 2001.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  62. Topper JN and Gimbrone MA Jr. Blood flow and vascular gene expression: fluid shear stress as a modulator of endothelial phenotype. Mol Med Today 5: 40–46, 1999.[ISI][Medline]
  63. Traub O and Berk BC. Laminar shear stress: mechanisms by which endothelial cells transduce an atheroprotective force. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 18: 677–685, 1998.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  64. Wang S and Tarbell JM. Effect of fluid flow on smooth muscle cells in a 3-dimensional collagen gel model. Arterioscler Thromb 20: 2220–2225, 2000.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  65. Yamamoto K, Korenaga R, Kamiya A, and Ando J. Fluid shear stress activates Ca2+ influx into human endothelial cells via P2X4 purinoceptors. Circ Res 87: 385–391, 2000.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  66. Yang C, Tang D, and Liu SQ. A multi-physics model with fluid-structure interactions for blood flow and restenosis in rat vein grafts. Computers and Structures. 81: 1044–1058, 2003.



This article has been cited by other articles:


Home page
ANGIOLOGYHome page
P. Somers and M. Knaapen
The Histopathology of Varicose Vein Disease
Angiology, October 1, 2006; 57(5): 546 - 555.
[Abstract] [PDF]


Home page
J. Appl. Physiol.Home page
J. P. Stegemann, H. Hong, and R. M. Nerem
Mechanical, biochemical, and extracellular matrix effects on vascular smooth muscle cell phenotype
J Appl Physiol, June 1, 2005; 98(6): 2321 - 2327.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol.Home page
J. F. LaDisa Jr., Lars. E. Olson, R. C. Molthen, D. A. Hettrick, P. F. Pratt, M. D. Hardel, J. R. Kersten, D. C. Warltier, and P. S. Pagel
Alterations in wall shear stress predict sites of neointimal hyperplasia after stent implantation in rabbit iliac arteries
Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, May 1, 2005; 288(5): H2465 - H2475.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Appl. Physiol.Home page
J. F. LaDisa Jr., L. E. Olson, I. Guler, D. A. Hettrick, J. R. Kersten, D. C. Warltier, and P. S. Pagel
Circumferential vascular deformation after stent implantation alters wall shear stress evaluated with time-dependent 3D computational fluid dynamics models
J Appl Physiol, March 1, 2005; 98(3): 947 - 957.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Circ. Res.Home page
J. S. Yao, Y. Chen, W. Zhai, K. Xu, W. L. Young, and G.-Y. Yang
Minocycline Exerts Multiple Inhibitory Effects on Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-Induced Smooth Muscle Cell Migration: The Role of ERK1/2, PI3K, and Matrix Metalloproteinases
Circ. Res., August 20, 2004; 95(4): 364 - 371.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Appl. Physiol.Home page
J. F. LaDisa Jr., L. E. Olson, I. Guler, D. A. Hettrick, S. H. Audi, J. R. Kersten, D. C. Warltier, and P. S. Pagel
Stent design properties and deployment ratio influence indexes of wall shear stress: a three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics investigation within a normal artery
J Appl Physiol, July 1, 2004; 97(1): 424 - 430.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol.Home page
S. Q. Liu, D. Tang, C. Tieche, and P. K. Alkema
Pattern formation of vascular smooth muscle cells subject to nonuniform fluid shear stress: mediation by gradient of cell density
Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, August 7, 2003; 285(3): H1072 - H1080.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


This Article