A morphometric study of mechanotransductively induced dermal neovascularization.

Publication/Presentation Date

10-1-2011

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Mechanical stretch has been shown to induce vascular remodeling and increase vessel density, but the pathophysiologic mechanisms and the morphologic changes induced by tensile forces to dermal vessels are poorly understood.

METHODS: A custom computer-controlled stretch device was designed and applied to the backs of C57BL/6 mice (n=38). Dermal and vascular remodeling was studied over a 7-day period. Corrosion casting and three-dimensional scanning electron microscopy and CD31 staining were performed to analyze microvessel morphology. Hypoxia was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Western blot analysis of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and mRNA expression of VEGF receptors was performed.

RESULTS: Skin stretching was associated with increased angiogenesis as demonstrated by CD31 staining and vessel corrosion casting where intervascular distance and vessel diameter were decreased (p

CONCLUSIONS: Identification of significant hypoxic cells occurred after identification of neovessels, suggesting an alternative mechanism. Increased expression of angiogenic receptors and stabilization of VEGF dimers may be involved in a mechanotransductive, prehypoxic induction of neovascularization.

Volume

128

Issue

4

First Page

288

Last Page

288

ISSN

1529-4242

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

PubMedID

21921741

Department(s)

Department of Surgery

Document Type

Article

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