Effects of Shock Waves on Acceleration of Cell Growth Rate by Shock Tube

This paper describes effects of shock waves on cells to certificate the angiogenesis by shock wave (pressure wave) in the clinical application such as ESW (Extracorporeal Shock Wave). Especially, to investigate the effects of shock waves on the endothelial cells in vitro, the cells worked by plane shock waves using shock tube apparatus are observed and measured in the microscope. The peak pressure working on the endothelial cells at the test case is 0.4 MPa. After working shock waves on suspended cells, growth rate (area per one cell and population of cells) are measured by image processing. It is found that the growth rate of the shock-worked cells from 0 to 4h is clearly high compared with control one. It is concluded that once shock waves worked, the cells have capacity to increase growth rate in vitro. This preliminary result will be applied to fundamental investigations about shock wave stimulus on several kinds of cells in future.