Open Access

ARTICLE

Topological Remodeling of Cultured Endothelial Cells by Characterized Cyclic Strains

Nooshin Haghighipour^∗, Mohammad Tafazzoli-Shadpour^∗, Mohammad Ali Shokrgozar^†, Samira Amini^∗, Amir Amanzadeh^†, Mohammad Taghi Khorasani^‡

∗ Faculty of Biomedical Engineering,Amirkabir University of Technology: 424, Hafez Ave., Tehran, Iran.
† Corresponding author. National Cell Bank of Iran, Pasteur Institute of Iran: 69, Pasteur Ave, Tehran, Iran. Tel: (+98-21) 66492595, Fax: (+98-21) 66492595, E-mail: mashokrgozar@pasteur.ac.ir.
‡ Iran Polymer and Petrochemical Institute: P O.BOX 14965 / 159, Tehran, Iran

Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics 2007, 4(4), 189-200. https://doi.org/10.3970/mcb.2007.004.189

Abstract

Evaluation of mechanical environment on cellular function is a major field of study in cellular engineering. Endothelial cells lining the entire vascular lumen are subjected to pulsatile blood pressure and flow. Mechanical stresses caused by such forces determine function of arteries and their remodeling. Critical values of mechanical stresses contribute to endothelial damage, plaque formation and atherosclerosis. A device to impose cyclic strain on cultured cells inside an incubator was designed and manufactured operating with different load amplitudes, frequencies, numbers of cycles and ratios of extension to relaxation. Endothelial cells cultured on collagen coated silicon scaffolds were subjected to cyclic loading. Effects of mechanical loading on cell morphology were quantified using image processing methods. Results showed change in cell orientation from a randomly oriented before the test up to 80° alignment from load axis after loading. Endothelial cells were elongated with shape index reductions up to 47% after cyclic stretch. By increase of strain amplitude, loading frequency and number of cycles, significant decrease in shape index and significant increase in orientation angle were observed. Change of load waveform similar to arterial pulse pressure waveform resulted in alteration of cell alignment with 9.7% decrease in shape index, and 10.8% increase in orientation angle. Results of cyclic loading tests in a disturbed environment with elevated PH showed lack of remodeling. It was concluded that tensile loading of endothelial cells influences cell morphology and alignment, a mechanism for structural regulation, functional adaptation and remodeling. Disturbed environment results in endothelial dysfunction and injury.

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