Smooth muscle cells of human veins show an increased response to injury at valve sites.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Venous valves are essential but are prone to injury, thrombosis, and fibrosis. We compared the behavior and gene expression of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in the valve sinus vs nonvalve sites to elucidate biologic differences associated with vein valves.

Methods

Tissue explants of fresh human saphenous veins were prepared, and the migration of SMCs from explants of valve sinus vs nonvalve sinus areas was measured. Proliferation and death of SMCs were determined by staining for Ki67 and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling. Proliferation and migration of passaged valve vs nonvalve SMCs were determined by cell counts and using microchemotaxis chambers. Global gene expression in valve vs nonvalve intima-media was determined by RNA sequencing.

SUBMITTER: Kikuchi S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5740028 | biostudies-literature | 2018 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature