Mechanically induced intercellular calcium communication in confined endothelial structures.

ABSTRACT: Calcium signaling in the diverse vascular structures is regulated by a wide range of mechanical and biochemical factors to maintain essential physiological functions of the vasculature. To properly transmit information, the intercellular calcium communication mechanism must be robust against various conditions in the cellular microenvironment. Using plasma lithography geometric confinement, we investigate mechanically induced calcium wave propagation in networks of human umbilical vein endothelial cells organized. Endothelial cell networks with confined architectures were stimulated at the single cell level, including using capacitive force probes. Calcium wave propagation in the network was observed using fluorescence calcium imaging. We show that mechanically induced calcium signaling in

SUBMITTER: Junkin M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3542404 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature