Regulation of Phenotypes of Human Aorta Endothelial Cells and Smooth Muscle Cells in Culture by Type IV Collagen Aggregates

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the regulation of phenotypes of human aorta endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells in culture by type IV collagen aggregates. Type IV collagen comprises the skeletal structure of basal lamina, which functions as a physical barrier for biological macromolecules and cells. Basal lamina affects the most fundamental cell functions, including cell proliferation and differentiation. Vascular endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells produce and deposit basal lamina components in extracellular surroundings. Reciprocal interactions of the cells with the basal lamina may result in a vicious or favorable spiral. The favorable spiral is a dynamic steady state of tissue structure and function. Incubation of the type IV collagen solution in neutral pH and physiological ionic strength causes two macroscopically different forms of type IV collagen aggregates to form, depending on the temperature of incubation. Proliferation and differentiation of human aorta endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells in culture are dependent on the aggregate forms or non gel and gel form as well as collagen types. Extracellular environments are one of the most fundamental elements for the maintenance or the restoration of human aorta endothelial tissues and smooth muscle tissues.