No abstract

Expression of the arterial marker molecule ephrinB2 in endothelial cells is a prerequisite for adequate remodeling processes of the developing or angiogenic vasculature. Although its role in these processes has been extensively studied, the impact of ephrinB2 on the remodeling of adult arteries is largely unknown. To this end, we analyzed its expression during a biomechanically induced arteriolar remodeling process known as arteriogenesis and noted a significant increase in ephrinB2 expression under these conditions. By examining those biomechanical forces presumed to drive arteriogenesis, we identified cyclic stretch as a critical inducer of ephrinB2 expression in endo