Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) consist of tunica media of the arterioles. VSMC cell lines are activated by PDGF derived from endothelial cells and VSMCs express alpha-smooth muscle actin (SMA). They have been reported to express the angiotensin-II receptor, so that increase in blood pressure has been shown by the stimuli of rennin-angiotensin-aldosterone axis in vivo. This has been confirmed also in vitro with the actin filament reconstitution. However, even if the cell lines express ACE enzyme, which converts angotensin-I to angiotensin-II, I wonder this is appropriate for the research; After all, the ACE enzyme is predominantly expressed in the pulmonary epithelial cells.

Hi Subhadeep

We have been growing them out of umbilical arteries either by explant or collagenase digestion.  It takes time but they seem to be okay to use in our 3D gel models.  Can send a protocol if you would like to try it.  All the best

T

One may get comments that phenotypical changes occur with prolonged culture of ASMC. Commercially available A-10 cells would not be appropriate. It may be best to prepare primary cultures of ASMc or us them within three or four passages to confirm responses to extrapolate to in vivo situation. If you are considering effects at the level of arterioles it may be best to pool full mesenteric cascade and generate cells.

Thanks for the responses.