Combined effects of shear stress and glucose on the morphology, actin filaments, and VE-cadherin of endothelial cells in vitro

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to analyze the effects of glucose and shear stress on the morphology and density of endothelial cells, actin filamen, and the expression of VE-cadherin. METHODS: After confluency of endothelial cells (3–4 days), 22 mM of d-glucose was administered for 7 days. Endothelial cells were exposed to shear stress of 10 dyne/cm(2) for varied durations of 5, 8, 12, and 15 min. Morphology of ECs was observed using an inverted microscope before and after shear stress exposure. VE-cadherin and actin filament were analyzed immunohistochemically. RESULTS: Exposure to high glucose induces more shrinkage and the cell density decreased at 15 min. High glucose reduced actin filaments and the more globular ones, especially around the nuclei. There was a decline in VE-cadherin scores with significant differences between treatments with 5 mM and 22 mM of glucose. CONCLUSION: Combination exposure of shear stress and high glucose changes morphology, reduces actin filament and VE-cadherin, of endothelial cells.