Specific and rapid expansion of blood vessels

(Karlsruher Institut f ü r Technologie (KIT)) Upon a heart infarct or stroke, rapid restoration of blood flow, and oxygen delivery to the hypo perfused regions is of eminent importance to prevent further damage to heart or brain. Arterial diameter is a critical determinant of blood flow conductance. Scientists of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) have now discovered a novel mechanism to structurally increase arterial diameter by selectively increasing the size of arterial endothelial cells, thereby allowing rapid increases in flow.
Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: news