Shear stress becomes predominant when the tangential force applied to a material cross-section exceeds the normal force, leading to significant deformation or flow-induced stress. This phenomenon has a profound impact on various biological systems, particularly in the context of blood vessels, the kidney, and cancer biology.
Shear Stress in Blood Vessels
In the cardiovascular system, shear stress is a crucial factor that influences the behavior and function of blood vessels. The mechanical frictional forces created by blood flow generate a stress along the blood vessel wall, known as shear stress. The shear stress values in these surfaces typically range from 0 to 0.003 Pa.
- Regulation of Vascular Permeability and Barrier Function: Shear stress plays a vital role in regulating the permeability and barrier function of blood vessels. It can modulate the expression of cell junction proteins, protein uptake, and cell volume, thereby affecting the integrity of the endothelial barrier.
- Vasoreactivity and Vessel Remodeling: Shear stress can induce short-term vasoreactivity, where it triggers the release of vasoactive substances, such as nitric oxide and prostacyclin, which regulate vascular tone. Additionally, long-term exposure to shear stress can lead to vessel remodeling, altering the structure and architecture of the blood vessels.
- Vascular Morphogenesis: During the process of vascular morphogenesis, shear stress is a crucial factor that guides the building of vessel architecture, influencing the differentiation and organization of endothelial cells.
Shear Stress in the Kidney
In the kidney, the flow of glomerular filtrate creates a significant fluid shear stress at the apical surface of the renal tubular epithelial cells. This shear stress can have a profound impact on the function and structure of the renal epithelium.
- Epithelial Organization and Barrier Function: Shear stress can alter the organization and barrier function of the renal tubular epithelial cells by modulating the expression of cell junction proteins, protein uptake, and cell volume.
- Interstitial Fluid Movement: The interstitial fluid movement within the kidney also generates a significant shear stress, typically ranging from 0.001 to 0.01 dyne/cm^2, which can affect the behavior and function of the interstitial cells.
Shear Stress in Cancer Biology
In the context of cancer biology, the flow of ascitic fluid in the peritoneal cavity can affect the behavior of ovarian cancer cells, leading to significant implications.
- Anchorage-Independent Survival: Shear stress induced by the ascitic fluid flow can enhance the anchorage-independent survival of ovarian cancer cells, potentially contributing to their metastatic potential.
- Cytoskeleton Changes and Chromosomal Instability: Shear stress can induce changes in the cytoskeleton of ovarian cancer cells and lead to chromosomal instability, further promoting invasion and metastasis.
Impact of Shear Stress on Embryo Development, Cancer, and Fibrosis
The impact of shear stress extends beyond the specific examples mentioned above. It plays a crucial role in various biological processes, including:
- Embryo Development: Shear stress can influence the differentiation and organization of cells during embryo development, affecting the formation and function of various tissues and organs.
- Cancer Progression: Shear stress can modulate the behavior of cancer cells, promoting invasion, metastasis, and potentially altering their response to treatment.
- Fibrosis: Shear stress induced by fluid flow can contribute to the development and progression of fibrotic diseases, affecting the function and structure of affected tissues.
Conclusion
Shear stress becomes predominant when the tangential force applied to a material cross-section exceeds the normal force, leading to significant deformation or flow-induced stress. This phenomenon has a profound impact on various biological systems, including blood vessels, the kidney, and cancer biology. Understanding the role of shear stress in these contexts is crucial for advancing our knowledge of physiological and pathological processes, and for developing targeted interventions to address related health issues.
References:
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