Analysis of the effect of disturbed flow on monocytic adhesion to endothelial cells

Jeng Jiann Chiu, Cheng Nan Chen, Pei Ling Lee, Cheng Tsair Yang, Han Sheng Chuang, Shu Chien, Shunichi Usami

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

100 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The preferential adhesion of monocytes to vascular endothelial cells (ECs) at regions near branches and curvatures of the arterial tree, where flow is disturbed, suggests that hemodynamic conditions play significant roles in monocyte adhesion. The present study aims to elucidate the effects of disturbed flow on monocyte adhesion to ECs and the adhesive properties of ECs. We applied, for the first time, the micron-resolution particle image velocimetry (μPIV) technique to analyze the characteristics of the disturbed flow produced in our vertical-step flow (VSF) chamber. The results demonstrated the existence of a higher near-wall concentration and a longer residence time of the monocytic analog THP-1 cells near the step and the reattachment point. THP-1 cells showed prominent adhesion to ECs pretreated with TNFα in the regions near the step and the reattachment point, but they showed virtually no adhesion to un-stimulated ECs. Pre-incubation of the TNFα-treated ECs with antibodies against intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and E-selectin inhibited the THP-1 adhesion; the maximal inhibition was observed with a combination of these antibodies. Pre-exposure of ECs to disturbed flow in VSF for 24h led to significant increases in their surface expressions of ICAM-1 and E-selectin, but not VCAM-1, and in the adhesion of THP-1 cells. Our findings demonstrate the importance of complex flow environment in modulating the adhesive properties of vascular endothelium and consequently monocyte adhesion in regions of prevalence of atherosclerotic lesions.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1883-1895
Number of pages13
JournalJournal of Biomechanics
Volume36
Issue number12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2003
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Adhesion molecule
  • Disturbed flow
  • Endothelial cell
  • Micron-resolution particle image velocimetry
  • Monocyte adhesion
  • Shear stress

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biophysics
  • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Rehabilitation

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