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Evaluation of Smooth Muscle Cell Function in Cultured Microvascular Networks
Author(s) -
Motherwell Jessica M.,
Azimi Mohammad S.,
Katakam Prasad V.G.,
Murfee Walter L.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.30.1_supplement.945.11
Subject(s) - vasoconstriction , constriction , angiogenesis , microcirculation , mesentery , in vivo , endothelin 1 , chemistry , anatomy , vascular smooth muscle , myocyte , microbiology and biotechnology , andrology , biology , smooth muscle , medicine , endocrinology , biochemistry , receptor
Ex vivo biomimetic models are valuable for investigating the underlying mechanisms of angiogenesis. Common models currently in use include 2D or 3D culture systems and microfluidic devices. However, these systems are limited by their lack of complexity compared to intact‐tissue scenarios. Based on an alternative top‐down approach, our laboratory has recently introduced the rat mesentery culture model as a tool to investigate cell‐cell interactions during angiogenesis in viable, intact microvascular networks. The objective of this study was to determine if vascular smooth muscle cells within the rat mesenteric microvascular networks maintain functionality during culture. Adult Wistar rat mesenteric tissues were harvested and cultured in Modified Eagle's Medium (MEM) + 10% serum. At 0 or 24 hours, tissues were exposed to vasoconstrictors (20nM Endothelin‐1 and 50mM KCl) for 5 minutes. Diameters of arterioles (22μm–27μm) were compared before and after treatment. Vessel constriction measured at the point of maximum diameter change along a vessel was observed at 0‐ and 24‐hours for both vasoconstrictor treatments. The percentage of constriction for arterioles in networks treated with endothelin‐1 at 0‐ and 24‐hour culture were 26 ± 6.2% (n=5 tissues) and 25 ± 3.9% (n=4 tissues) respectively (mean ± SEM). The percentage of constriction for arterioles treated with KCl at 0‐ and 24‐hour culture were 38 ± 4.6% (n=5 tissues) and 25 ± 4.4% (n=4 tissues) respectively (mean ± SEM). We also observed vasoconstriction of venules for both treatment groups at 0‐ and 24‐hour culture. After washing of 50mM KCl vessels were observed to return to baseline measurements supporting the vasoconstriction effect is readily reversible. These results suggest that the vascular smooth muscle cells maintain their functionality in cultured microvascular networks and supports the physiological relevance of the rat mesenteric culture model. Support or Funding Information NIH 5‐P20GM103629‐04