Cell tracking velocimetry for monocyte/endothelial cell interactions

Abstract

This paper reports the study of the trajectory patterns that exist when monocyte and endothelial cells interact within the oscillatory flow known to be present in arterial bifurcations. The rolling and tumbling of monocytes, followed by the tethering and firm attachment to endothelial cells were observed. A cell tracking velocimetry algorithm was developed to characterize the real time cell-cell interactions. The algorithm allows tracking of large amounts of cell trajectories automatically, which is essential for statistical analysis of cell interaction events.