Soluble Mediators Released by Flow- and Pressure-Exposed Vascular Endothelial Cells Induce Functional Changes in Endothelial and Smooth Muscle Cells

Introduction. The two most important cell types in the arteries are endothelial and smooth muscle cells; the behavior of these cells is determined by both hemodynamic and biochemical factors. In particular, shear stress and pressure forces have a direct impact on vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cell morphology and phenotype. In addition to direct hemodynamic effects, the communication system between these two cell types also participates in vessel homeostasis and the development of diseases like atherosclerosis. This cell communication occurs due to the matrix-like structure of the arterial wall, which allows for chemical mediators released from one cell type to affect the functions of neighboring vascular cells. Based on this knowledge, the present study investigated vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cell responses to medium conditioned by cells exposed to either shear stress or pressure forces.