Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
Lab Chip. 2011 Feb 21;11(4):609-19. doi: 10.1039/c0lc00251h. Epub 2010 Dec 9.
Studies using this micro-system demonstrated significant morphological differences between alveolar epithelial cells (transformed human alveolar epithelial cell line, A549 and primary murine alveolar epithelial cells, AECs) exposed to combination of solid mechanical and surface-tension stresses (cyclic propagation of air-liquid interface and wall stretch) compared to cell populations exposed solely to cyclic stretch. We have also measured significant differences in both cell death and cell detachment rates in cell monolayers experiencing combination of stresses. This research describes new tools for studying the combined effects of fluid mechanical and solid mechanical stress on alveolar cells. It also highlights the role that surface tension forces may play in the development of clinical pathology, especially under conditions of surfactant dysfunction. The results support the need for further research and improved understanding on techniques to reduce and eliminate fluid stresses in clinical settings.
使用该微系统的研究表明，与仅暴露于循环拉伸的细胞群体相比，暴露于固-液表面张力复合力（气-液界面周期性传播和壁面拉伸）下的肺泡上皮细胞（转化的人肺泡上皮细胞系 A549 和原代鼠肺泡上皮细胞 AECs）之间存在明显的形态差异。我们还测量了在经历复合力的细胞单层中细胞死亡和细胞脱落率的显著差异。这项研究描述了用于研究流体机械力和固体机械力对肺泡细胞的复合作用的新工具。它还强调了表面张力在临床病理学发展中的作用，尤其是在表面活性剂功能障碍的情况下。研究结果支持进一步研究和更好地理解减少和消除临床环境中流体力的技术的必要性。
