Characterization of shear stress dependent release of nitric oxide from endothelial cells in vitro

Nitric oxide (NO) is a potent vasodilator released by endothelial cells following exposure to flow. Studies of NO release under well defined flow conditions are necessary in order to understand the kinetics of NO release and the regulation of this process. In the current study, a microsensor placed in the upper chamber of a parallel plate flow channel is used to measure flow-dependent NO release from endothelial cells placed in the lower plate of the chamber. The measured rate of NO release is a function of the intrinsic rate of release, mass transfer across the flow cell, and oxidation of NO in the tissue culture medium.