Cerebral Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells (CVSMC)

Vascular smooth muscle refers to the particular type of smooth muscle found within, and composing the majority of the wall of blood vessels. Vascular smooth muscle contracts or relaxes to change both the volume of blood vessels and the local blood pressure, a mechanism that is responsible for the redistribution of the blood within the body to areas where it is needed. Thus the main function of vascular smooth muscle tone is to regulate the caliber of the blood vessels in the body. Excessive vasoconstriction leads to high blood pressure, while excessive vasodilation as in shock leads to low blood pressure. VSMC express the cell adhesion molecules ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 and studies have suggested that these molecules may promote VSMC proliferation, differentiation, and vascular inflammation. Cerebral Vascular smooth muscle cells (CVSMC) are isolated from brain tissue. They play a critical role in the continuous advancement of therapies for vascular disease.