Lymphatic endothelial cells adapt their barrier function in response to changes in shear stress.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Lymphatic endothelial cells form an important barrier necessary for normal lymph formation and propulsion. However, little is known about how physical forces within lymphatic vessels affect endothelial barrier function. The purpose of this study was to characterize how laminar flow affects lymphatic endothelial barrier function and to test whether endothelial cells respond to flow changes by activating the intracellular actin cytoskeleton to enhance barrier function.

Methods and results

Cultured adult human dermal microlymphatic endothelial cells (HMLEC-d) were grown on small gold electrodes arranged within a flow channel, and transendothelial electrical resistance (TER), an index of barrier function, was determined. Laminar flow was applied to the cells at a base

SUBMITTER: Breslin JW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2883493 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature