The Effects of Low Density Lipoprotein on the Adhesion Force of Endothelial Cells and Extracelluar Matrix

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of Low density lipoprotein (LDL) on the adhesive mechanical properties between endothelial cells (ECs) and Extracelluar Matrix (ECM) by using micropipette aspiration technique. ECs were incubated with four different LDL concentrations (0.0μg/ml, 50.0μg/ml, 100.0μg/ml, 150.0μg/ml) for 24 hrs, respectively. ECs were then digested into single cells until the number of the cells in the suspensions reached 5.0×104/ml. ECs suspensions were inoculated to chambers which were coated by a mixture of 2μg/ml polylysine and 2μg/ml collagen IV (Col IV). After 30 min of incubation, the ECs adhesion force was tested. The micropipette aspiration experiment started 30 min. after incubation. The adhesion force of ECs on Col IV-coated chamber decreased with increasing of LDL concentration (P<0.05). The adhesion force between the endothelial cells and extracelluar matrix were LDL concentration dependent. Higher LDL concentration results in lower adhesion force. Such study may potentially aid the understanding of future pharmacological studies to the atherosclerosis.