Endothelial cell migration onto metal stent surfaces under static and flowconditions

Restenosis associated with intimal hyperplasia and thrombosis at sites of b alloon angioplasty or stent placement remains an important clinical problem . It is likely that loss or damage to the arterial endothelium associated w ith these interventional procedures as well as the rate of its restoration plays a critical role in the extent of restenosis. Migration of arterial en dothelial cells from adjacent intact endothelium is the predominant source of cells involved in re-endothelialization of the injured site. In this pap er, we review the influence of hemodynamics on endothelial cell migration, both in vivo and in vitro. In addition, we present recent in vitro studies demonstrating the importance of the nature of metal substrates in modulatin g endothelial cell migration rate. Finally, we review the cellular and mole cular mechanisms likely involved in governing endothelial cell migration, a nd relate them to a possible scenario of endothelial response to injury at sites of arterial intervention. Understanding the important factors regulat ing endothelial migration may provide insights that will ultimately lead to methods to accelerate endothelial healing and reduce the occurrence of art erial restenosis.