The Kinase Insert Domain-containing Receptor (KDR) is Regulated by Shear Stress

Objective : Intimal hyperplasia develops in areas with low shear stress. The aim of the present study was to investigate if the mRNA expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), Fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 receptor (Flt-1) and kinase insert domain-containing receptor (KDR) is regulated by shear stress. Design : Endothelial cells from human umbilical veins were in an in vitro system subjected to different levels of shear stress during 1 and 12 h. The mRNA expression of VEGF, Flt-1 and KDR was measured with RT-PCR. eNOS served as positive control and actin as housekeeping gene. Results : The KDR expression was isolated upregulated 3-4 times after 12 h exposure to high shear stress. Conclusion : The genetic expression of KDR is upregulated by shear stress and this response is time dependent.