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An improved in vitro model for studying the structural and functional properties of the endothelial glycocalyx in arteries, capillaries and veins
Author(s) -
Siren Erika M. J.,
Luo Haiming D.,
Bajaj Sargun,
MacKenzie Jordan,
Daneshi Masoud,
Martinez D. Mark,
Conway Edward M.,
Cheung Karen C.,
Kizhakkedathu Jayachandran N.
Publication year - 2021
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/fj.201802376rrrr
Subject(s) - glycocalyx , in vitro , chemistry , biophysics , anatomy , biomedical engineering , biology , medicine , biochemistry
The endothelial glycocalyx is a dynamic structure integral to blood vessel hemodynamics and capable of tightly regulating a range of biological processes (ie, innate immunity, inflammation, and coagulation) through dynamic changes in its composition of the brush structure. Evaluating the specific roles of the endothelial glycocalyx under a range of pathophysiologic conditions has been a challenge in vitro as it is difficult to generate functional glycocalyces using commonly employed 2D cell culture models. We present a new multi‐height microfluidic platform that promotes the growth of functional glycocalyces by eliciting unique shear stress forces over a continuous human umbilical vein endothelial cell monolayer at magnitudes that recapitulate the physical environment in arterial, capillary and venous regions of the vasculature. Following 72 hours of shear stress, unique glycocalyx structures formed within each region that were distinct from that observed in short (3 days) and long‐term (21 days) static cell culture. The model demonstrated glycocalyx‐specific properties that match the characteristics of the endothelium in arteries, capillaries and veins, with respect to surface protein expression, platelet adhesion, lymphocyte binding and nanoparticle uptake. With artery‐to‐capillary‐to‐vein transition on a continuous endothelial monolayer, this in vitro platform is an improved system over static cell culture for more effectively studying the role of the glycocalyx in endothelial biology and disease.