A System to Evaluate the Effect of Stress on Arterial Remodeling

Arterial remodeling is a process by which arteries§respond to sustained changes in their mechanical§environment. This process occurs in a way such that§an artery s local mechanical environment§(circumferential, shear, and axial stress) is§maintained at a homeostatic level. However, most§studies utilize a methodology that controls the§global parameters (pressure, flow rate, and axial§stretch). This approach often confounds the results§since the actual drivers of remodeling are not§independently isolated.§§The results of this study demonstrate the ability of§a novel organ culture system to achieve and maintain§target values of stress throughout the culture§period. Cell viability, general arterial morphology,§and collagen synthesis rates were maintained for all§arteries. The elevated axial stress appeared to§cause a softening of the artery in both the axial and§circumferential direction. It was hypothesized that§this softening was the result of a changing collagen§structure. Additional softening seen in arteries was§attributed to the effects of the culture system.