Differential arrest and adhesion of tumor cells and microbeads in the microvasculature

摘要: To investigate the mechanical mechanisms behind tumor cell arrest in microvasculature, we injected fluorescently labeled human breast carcinoma cells or similarly sized rigid beads into systemic circulation of a rat. Their patterns microvasculature mesentery were recorded and quantified. We found that 93 % arrested either at arteriole–capillary intersections capillaries. Only 3 capillary–postcapillary venule postcapillary venules. In contrast, most flexible entrapped capillaries capillary venule–postcapillary 12 intersections. The differential adhesion microbeads was confirmed by \(\chi ^{2}\) test (\(p<0.001\)). These results demonstrate trapping responsible for almost all half cells. Based on measured geometry blood flow velocities intersections, also performed numerical simulation using commercial software (ANSYS CFX 12.01) to depict detailed distribution profiles velocity, shear rate, vorticity where preferred adhere. Simulation reveal presence localized rate regions turning points microvessel implying hemodynamic factors play an important role microcirculation. Our study helps elucidate long-debated issues related dominant early-stage hematogenous metastasis.