Isometric tension of cultured endothelial cells: New technical aspects

In this paper new technical aspects are discussed in the measurement of the low amount of force typically expressed in cultured endothelial cells. We illustrate how potential background noises interfere with signal acquisition. We present a new generation prototype that measures isometric tension in vitro in multiple samples and in more than one isometric vector. We report that thrombin increases isometric tension in at least two separate vectors that are directed in opposite directions. We also report that phorbol ester dibutyrate can randomly mediate a false relaxation (anisotropic contraction) in cultured PPAEC, when the force vector is directed opposite to the referenced isometric vector of the transducer. In contrast, stimulation of cultured HUVEC with the cAMP agonists, theophylline and forskolin, decreased isometric force in both vectors. Thus, direction of the force vector needs to be considered when interpreting isometric tension in cultured endothelial cells. (C) 1997 Academic Press.