A. Cucina et al., SHEAR-STRESS INDUCES CHANGES IN THE MORPHOLOGY AND CYTOSKELETON ORGANIZATION OF ARTERIAL ENDOTHELIAL-CELLS, European journal of vascular and endovascular surgery, 9(1), 1995, pp. 86-92
Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the charges in the
morphology and cytoskeleton organisation of endothelial cells (EC) det
ermined by exposure to a laminar flow. Cultured EC were exposed to a w
all shear stress of 6 dyne/cm(2) for 24 hours. Chief outcome measures:
The morphology of EC was analysed by light and scanning electron micr
oscopy. The organisation of the cytoskeleton was determined by double
fluorescence labeling with antibody anti-vementin, anti-vinculin, anti
-tubulin, and with rhodamine-labeled phalloidin. Results: EC exposed t
o laminar flow become round-shaped with decreased areas of adhesion to
the substrate. There was a clear reorganisation of the cytoskeleton a
fter exposure to shear stress; the distribution of actin changed from
a stress fibre pattern to a more diffuse membrane associated distribut
ion. These changes in shape and cytoskeleton organisation were reversi
ble after a 48-hour resting period. Conclusions: EC respond to laminar
flow in a predictable manner and these findings may be correlated to
the functional changes of EC observed after exposure to shear stress.