Contributions of Wall Stretch and Shear Stress to Vascular Regulation: Molecular Mechanisms of Homeostasis and Expansion

Abstract

Blood vessels are continuously exposed to hemodynamic forces due to the pulsatile nature of the blood flow. In normal physiological settings, these forces are essential in the maintenance of vascular cell function and structure, vascular growth, and in the regulation of vascular tone. However, when exceeding the physiological range these biomechanical forces become detrimental and may initiate pathological pathways. In this chapter, we discuss the types of vascular biomechanical forces, unravel cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the physiological and pathophysiological response of the vascular cells to these biomechanical stimuli, and describe their role in triggering vascular growth.