The kinase insert domain-containing receptor (KDR) is regulated by shear stress.
OBJECTIVE
Intimal hyperplasia develops in areas with low shear stress. The aim of the present study was to investigate if the mRNA expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), Fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 receptor (Flt-1) and kinase insert domain-containing receptor (KDR) is regulated by shear stress.


METHODS
Endothelial cells from human umbilical veins were in an in vitro system subjected to different levels of shear stress during 1 and 12 h. The mRNA expression of VEGF, Flt-1 and KDR was measured with RT-PCR. eNOS served as positive control and actin as housekeeping gene.


RESULTS
The KDR expression was isolated upregulated 3-4 times after 12 h exposure to high shear stress.


CONCLUSIONS
The genetic expression of KDR is upregulated by shear stress and this response is time dependent.
Staalesen
T
T
Department of Vascular Surgery, The Wallenberg Laboratory, Bruna Stråket 11B, Plan 1, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, SE-413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden.
Risberg
B
B
Mattsson
E
E
D002478:Cells, Cultured; D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D018056:Hemorheology / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D006965:Hyperplasia / Q000209:etiology; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D008222:Lymphokines / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000096:biosynthesis; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D017539:Tunica Intima / Q000473:pathology; D014471:Umbilical Veins / Q000473:pathology; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D040281:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1 / Q000096:biosynthesis; D040301:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D008222:Lymphokines; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors; D040281:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1; D040301:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2