The effect of shear stress on cells
- Tokaihit
- 9 hours ago
- 3 min read
Research into the effects of shear stress on cells has been attracting increasing attention in recent years. In addition to conventional two-dimensional culture environments, research using three-dimensional microvascular models, research into the effects of shear stress on gene expression in endothelial cells, and research into the molecular biomechanics of mechanical responses in vascular cells are being actively conducted.
In this article, we have summarized research on the effects of shear stress on cells. Please read to the end.
table of contents
1. What is shear stress?
Shear stress refers to the force exerted on vascular endothelial cells by blood flow. When the speed and direction of blood flow change, the shear stress on endothelial cells also changes, affecting the morphology and function of the cells.
reference:
2. Effects on cell morphology
Shear stress affects the morphology and alignment of endothelial cells by changing the distribution and amount of cytoskeleton. For example, in an environment of high shear stress, endothelial cells tend to align in the direction of flow and elongate. This makes the inner wall of blood vessels smooth and allows blood to flow smoothly.
Please refer to Tokai Hit's application note for details.
3. Effects on cell function
Shear stress also has a profound effect on endothelial cell function. The following changes have been observed:
Changes in gene expression: Shear stress alters gene expression in endothelial cells, including increased expression of nitric oxide (NO), which is involved in regulating vascular tone, and cell growth factors.
reference:
https://square.umin.ac.jp/bme/pg70.html
Expression of intercellular adhesion molecules: In an environment of high shear stress, the expression of adhesion molecules between endothelial cells (e.g. VE-cadherin) increases, strengthening the junctions between cells.
reference:
https://jglobal.jst.go.jp/detail?JGLOBAL_ID=200902290285869927
Angiogenesis: Shear stress is known to promote angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels), which may improve oxygen delivery to tissues.
reference:
https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jjtp1987/9/1/9_1_42/_pdf/-char/ja
4. Tokai Hit's MiViVo-BPU series
Tokai Hit's MiViVo-BPU series plays an important role in shear stress research. This series provides a pulsatile constant pressure delivery unit and allows detailed analysis of the effects of shear stress by simulating blood flow.
Features of the MiViVo-BPU series include:
Plug and Play, all you need to prepare is the sample, container, and culture medium
Perfusion system can be installed inside a CO2 incubator
Equipped with biomimetic perfusion control, pressure control, constant flow and pulsatile flow modes.
For more information, please visit the official Tokai Hit website.
5. Summary
Shear stress has a significant impact on the morphology and function of vascular endothelial cells. Various cellular responses have been observed, including changes in gene expression, expression of intercellular adhesion molecules, and angiogenesis. These changes are involved in the development of diseases such as arteriosclerosis and hypertension, and proper management of shear stress is important for maintaining health. By utilizing Tokai Hit's MiViVo-BPU series, research into shear stress will progress further and new insights useful for maintaining health will be obtained.
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