Vascular Cell Responses to Fluid Shear Stress

The development of several vascular diseases is linked to both blood flowproperties and cellular behavior in the arterial and venous systems. For instance, atherosclerosis development is dependent on the blood flow profile, shear stress rate, and resulting cellular responses in the arteries. Specifically, in regions of disturbed flow behavior, cells demonstrate both altered morphology and phenotype. Based on this clinical knowledge, in vitro fluid flow studies have been performed on vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells to understand the process of disease initiation and development. Ultimately, results of such studies will provide knowledge regarding key pathways involved in disease progression. Moreover, this information will be critical when designing effective drug therapies in the clinical setting.