The effect of cyclic strain and pressure on endothelial cell response

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Cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks, strokes, aneurysms and valvular disorders are believed to be partly a cellular response to biomechanical forces. My laboratory has developed the techniques to use three dimensional tissue culture models to better investigate the response of endothelial cells, leukocytes and platelets to realistic hemodynamics. Currently these models are limited to the study of shear stress as a stimulus owing to our assumption of rigid wall mechanics. In vivo, the artery wall is compliant and, particularly in the case of coronary arteries, pulled and stretched by surrounding tissue during the cardiac cycle. The objective of the proposed work is to add cyclic strain and compliance to our existing dynamic cell culture models. Specifically, we will answer the questions: 1. Does vessel compliance and cyclic strain alter the local response of endothelial cells? 2. Is the tethering and attachment of blood components to the endothelium affected by compliance and cyclic strain? This research will provide a better understanding of atherosclerosis and ultimately lead to better treatment options.