Mechanical stimuli modulate intracellular calcium oscillations: a pathological model without chemical cues.

OBJECTIVE: To control the oscillatory behavior of the intracellular calcium ([Ca2+ ]i ) concentration in endothelial cells via mechanical factors (i.e., various hydrostatic pressures) because [Ca2+ ]i in these cells is affected by blood pressure.

RESULTS: Quantitative analyses based on real-time imaging showed that [Ca2+ ]i oscillation frequency and relative concentration increased significantly when 200 mm Hg pressure, mimicking hypertension, was applied for >10 min. Peak height and peak width decreased significantly at 200 mm Hg. These trends were more marked as the duration of the 200 mm Hg pressure was increased. However, no change was observed under normal blood pressure conditions 100 mm Hg.

CONCLUSION: We generated a simple in vitro model to study [Ca2+ ]i behavior in relation to various pathologies and diseases by eliminating possible complicating effects induced by chemical cues.