[The effect of periodic stretching of the smooth-muscle cells on the expression in them of contractile-phenotype marker proteins].

Cyclic mechanical stretching of the rabbit aortic smooth muscle cells induced a serum-independent increase in the h-caldesmon expression. The expression was more obvious in the cells grown on laminin. The data obtained suggests that the cyclic stretching specifically activates a serum- and matrix-independent expression of h-caldesmon. The mechanical stimulation seems to contribute to the maintenance of the VSMC differentiated phenotype.