Interaction of neoplastic cells with glass surface under flow conditions

Abstract

The adhesion to glass of L 1210 cells flowing in transparent parallel plate microchannel was studied by a cinematographic method. Most cells settle on the surface when their velocity immediately preceding attachment does not exceed approx. 100 μm/sec, the greatest adhesion rate accompanying relatively small velocities. The arrest of cells on the glass surface is either permanent or temporary and in a certain range of fluid velocities numerous cells are arrested several times consecutively for brief periods. Two types of surface attachment may be distinguished: cells are either totally immobilized on the surface (firm adhesion) or are able to perform under the influence of the fluid impulses some movements around the attachment site (loose adhesion). When the adherent cells are subjected to the shearing force of rapidly flowing fluid, they detach from the surface, the tearing away being frequently preceded by an accelerating gliding movement. The influence of hydrodynamic forces on the cell-surface interaction and adhesion processes is discussed, as well as some problems concerning possible mechanisms of the cell binding to the surface under dynamic conditions.