The interactions between endothelial cells (EC) and smooth muscle cells (SMC) contribute to vascular physiological functions and also cause the occurrence and development of different kinds of diseases. Currently, EC-SMC co-culture model is the best way to study the interactions between the two kinds of cells. This article summarizes existing EC-SMC co-culture models and their effects on the structure and functions of the two kinds of cells. Microscopically speaking, it provides a basis for in-depth studies on their interactions as well as a reference for the establishment of in vitro EC-SMC co-culture system that is closer to organic physiology or pathology state.
Animals ; Coculture Techniques ; methods ; Endothelial Cells ; cytology ; metabolism ; Humans ; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular ; cytology ; Myocytes, Smooth Muscle ; cytology ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of Tiangou Jiangya capsule on isolated rabbit aortic strips, and to discuss its antihypertensive mechanism.

METHODThe isolated rabbit aortic strips were placed in perfusion baths, and induced to contract by norepinephrine (NE), KCl and CaCl2 respectively, then Tiangou Jiangya capsule extraction was added to observe its effect on the contraction. The effect on intracellular Ca2+ dependent contraction and extracellular Ca2+ dependent contraction induced by NE were also studied.

RESULTThe Tiangou Jiangya capsule (1, 3, 5 g x L(-1)) can reduce the largest contract reaction of aortic strips induced by NE or CaCl2 (P < 0.01). It can reduce both intracellular Ca2+ dependent contraction and extracellular Ca2+ dependent contraction induced by NE (P < 0.01), and the effect on extracellular Ca2+ dependent contraction is more significant. But the Tiangou Jiangya capsule has no significant effect on KCl induced contraction.

CONCLUSIONTiangou Jiangya capsule can regulate intracellular Ca2+ concentration and help to relax the vascular smooth muscle. The mechanism could be regulating the receptor-operated Ca2+ channel. The effect on extracellular Ca2+ dependent contraction is more obvious than on intracellular Ca2+ dependent contraction induced by NE.

Animals ; Antihypertensive Agents ; pharmacology ; Aorta ; drug effects ; Benzyl Alcohols ; pharmacology ; Blood Pressure ; drug effects ; Calcium Chloride ; pharmacology ; Diuresis ; drug effects ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Flavonoids ; pharmacology ; Furans ; pharmacology ; Glucosides ; pharmacology ; In Vitro Techniques ; Lignans ; pharmacology ; Male ; Muscle Contraction ; drug effects ; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular ; drug effects ; Norepinephrine ; pharmacology ; Potassium Chloride ; pharmacology ; Rabbits ; Renin-Angiotensin System ; drug effects ; Ventricular Function, Left ; drug effects