CYCLIC STRAIN AND INTERSTITIAL FLOW MODULATE CARDIAC FIBROBLAST PHENOTYPE THROUGH ANGIOTENSIN II AND TGF-SS PATHWAYS

摘要

A fibrotic scar in the myocardium is characterized by excessive extracellular matrix deposition, loss of functioning cardiomyocytes, and the transition of healthy cardiac fibroblasts to a myofibroblast phenotype. Previous research has suggested that the myofibroblast transition is mediated by mechanical stimuli including cyclic strain [1-2] and interstitial fluid flow [3-5].