A shear stress threshold for angiogenesis

In vitro experiments using microfabricated microfluidic devices have revealed a threshold of shear stress from fluid flow above which endothelial cell monolayers sprout new blood vessels.  The shear stress also sustained the sprout and prevented vessel retraction.  Further experiments revealed that matrix metalloproteinase 1 expression increased dramatically at the shear threshold.  These findings offer a basic mechanism for regulating vessel densities in tissue modulated by other mechanical, geometric,and biochemical factors.

Fluid shear stress threshold regulates angiogenic sprouting; P.A.Galie et al; PNAS; doi:10.1073/pnas.1310842111

http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2014/05/16/1310842111.abstract