Reduced stiffness and augmented traction force in type 2 diabetic coronary microvascular smooth muscle
Patricia E. McCallinhart, Youjin Cho, Zhe Sun, Samir N. Ghadiali, Gerald A. Meininger, Aaron J. Trask
Abstract
We show here that a potential causative factor for reduced diabetic coronary microvascular stiffness is the direct reduction in coronary vascular smooth muscle cell stiffness. These cells were also able to generate enhanced traction force, validating previously published computational models. Collectively, these data show that smooth muscle cell stiffness can be a contributor to overall tissue stiffness in the coronary microcirculation, and this may be a novel area of interest for therapeutic targets.
Topics & Concepts
StiffnessCardiologyMicrocirculationMedicineTraction (geology)Tractive forceInternal medicineMaterials scienceBiologyStructural engineeringEngineeringPaleontologyComposite materialCoronary Interventions and DiagnosticsCardiovascular Health and Disease PreventionCardiovascular Function and Risk Factors