Flow Increases Endothelial Migration and Inhibits Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation in Artery and Co-Culture Models

Arterial restenosis associated with intimal hyperplasia at stent revascularization sites remains the major cause of long-term failure. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of flow in promoting endothelial cell migration and the effect of re-endothelialization on smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation. This study demonstrated that re-endothelialization reduces SMC proliferation and migration and provides model systems to study approaches to increasing endothelial healing.