Quantification of Free Floating and Matrix Bound Growth Factors Secreted by Dynamically-Stimulated Endothelial Cells

Laminar shear stress from fluid flow influences endothelial cell (EC) behavior by increasing the production of specific growth factors (GFs). Moreover, fluid flow affects extracellular matrix (ECM) binding kinetics. This study investigates the effects of fluid flow on ECs for 5 and 12 h. Epithelial GF (EGF) and basic fibroblast GF (bFGF), in both free floating and ECM bound form, were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Both bound and free floating EGF and bFGF were found to be increased in cultures under flow compared to cultures under static conditions. These results give a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic EC microenvironment and will be used in future studies for manipulation of neural stem cell cultures.