Effects of anti-atherosclerotic substances on smooth muscle cell migration and proliferation analyzed by time-lapse video microscopy.

A new approach to analyze possible anti-atherosclerotic effects of substances using time-lapse video microscopy is presented. Time-lapse video recording of cultured cells combined with the quantitative analysis of cellular migration and proliferation provides information on the individual cell behaviour that is not available by other methods. Heparin was used as a model substance to analyze its effect on the migration and proliferation of smooth muscle cells. Subcultured smooth muscle cells were videotaped for 48-72 hours and the interdivision times of all cells were determined. The motility of the cells was quantitated using a morphometric system. While untreated smooth muscle cell clones showed average interdivision times of 14-20 hours, 100 micrograms/ml heparin elongated the interdivision times of about 40% of the clones to average interdivision times of 20-26 hours. While untreated smooth muscle cells showed motility rates ranging up to 45 microns/h, heparin reduced the motility of 90% of the cells to migration rates of 0-15 microns/h. These data indicate a heterogeneous reactivity of different smooth muscle cell subpopulations with respect to heparin effects on migration and proliferation.