Elevated Fluid Shear Stress Enhances Postocclusive Collateral Artery Growth and Gene Expression in the Pig Hind Limb

Abstract

High levels of FSS cause a strong arteriogenic response, reinstate cellular proliferation, stimulate cytoskeletal rearrangement, and normalize maximal conductance. FSS is the initiating molding force in arteriogenesis. The role of fluid shear stress on the development of a collateral circulation was studied by abruptly increasing collateral blood flow by a distal femoral artery-to-vein anastomosis. This increased number and size of collateral vessels to a hitherto unknown degree. Fluid shear stress is the primary and strongest arteriogenic stimulus.